Stones
Master
Teacher
Second
Quarte
r
1970
Adult Division, No. 300, Second Quarter, 1970
OUTLINE OF TOPICS
Lesson 1. Heaven's Search and Rescue
2.
My God Is Concerned
3.
Is It Nothing to Thee?
4.
People Can Change
5.
Give a Man a Chance!
6.
Satan's Strategems
7.
What's Bothering You?
8.
It Pays to Pray
9.
Counting the Cost and Building Well
10.
Vigil at Midnight
11.
Day of Reckoning
12.
Final Decision
13.
The Payoff
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 300, April-June, 1970. 40 cents a single
copy, $1.60 a year (four Issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published
in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street,
Mountain View, California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, Cali-
fornia. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old
and new addresses.
Copyright, 1970, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover art by Charles Zingaro, artist; ©
P.P.P.A.
Drawings by Vance Locke
The Blessing of Daily Study
"He who by faith receives the Word is receiving the
very life and character of God. Every seed brings forth
fruit after its kind. . . . Receive into the soul by faith the
incorruptible seed of the Word, and it will bring forth a
character and a life after the similitude of the character
and the life of
God."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 38.
"Appreciation of the Bible grows with its study."
Ibid.,
p. 132.
"God will make the most precious revelations to His
hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is
a personal Saviour. As they feed upon His Word, they
find that it is spirit and life. The Word destroys the
natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ
Jesus."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 391.
"The neglect of the Word means starvation to the soul."
—Counsels on Sabbath School Work,
page 44.
My Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge
of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayer-
ful study of some portion of my Sabbath School lesson each
day of the week.
(signed)
3
Stordes o
the Master Teacher
SECOND QUARTER, 1970
Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher who
ever lived. He was the righteous One. His
character added weight to His ideas and
ideals. He could say, Do as I do, as well as,
Do as I tell you.
Jesus Christ presented deeper and more
exalted teachings than has any other man.
And most of His teachings are in parables.
Some declare that parables should not be
used to teach doctrines. Christ, however,
used parables exclusively for this purpose.
"Parable teaching was popular, and com-
manded the respect and attention, not only
of the Jews, but of the people of other
nations. No more effective method of in-
struction could He have employed."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 21.
Parables are pleasant to listen to and
simple to remember. "In parables and com-
parisons He found the best method of
communicating divine truth. In simple lan-
guage, using figures and illustrations drawn
from the natural world, He opened spiritual
truth to His hearers, and gave expression to
precious principles that would have passed
from their minds, and left scarcely a trace,
had He not connected His words with stir-
ring scenes of life, experience, or nature."
—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
page 236.
This quarter we are to study these stories
of the Master Teacher. They have been
grouped under thirteen general topics. Many
other groupings have been made through
the centuries. But in the arrangement se-
lected their teachings cover the seeking love
of God and the concern our Father shows
for His wandering children. Man's indiffer-
ence to His solicitude is clearly shown. But
God believes people can change and so
gives every man a chance. Satan, on the
other hand, is constantly laying his booby
traps for the unwary whose very nature is
4
their worst enemy. But our Father wishes
us to ask for His help at every juncture,
suggesting we turn from weakness to accept
His strength. The last four lessons look
forward to the end of the road. Vigilance,
faithfulness, and accepting His program will
make the payoff pay !
And now a word about studying these
lessons. You will find a text for each day,
with further texts covering the area of in-
vestigation more adequately. For lack of
space we did not print them out in full.
Read the entire section and note each key
word in the parable. The questions in the
body of material in your study guide will
call attention to important truths. Look
the important words up in your concor-
dance and find other Biblical references. Do
the same with the writings of Ellen G.
White by using the Scriptural and Topical
sections of the three-volume
Index
to her
writings. When you have found the mean-
ing of each word, fill in the mosaic of truth.
Always allow Inspiration to be its own in-
terpreter. When you have done this, tell the
parable in your own words. The thought
questions will direct your study inward and
will help you to apply Christ's teaching to
your own life. This, of course, is the main
purpose in studying His parables.
At the end of the week think of the titles
for the week's parables and see how they all
fit together and round out the picture sug-
gested by the general caption. You will find
that the last page of your study guide con-
tains some interesting questions. Answer
these, and compare your answers with the
Bible.
And now may our blessed Lord, through
the inspiration of His good Spirit, aid your
study and clarify your mind and bless your
life as you continue to study THE STOR-
IES OF THE MASTER TEACHER.
April 4
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LESSON 1
HEAVEN'S SEARCH AND RESCUE 1
"The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10.
The parables which we are studying this seek to analyze our attitudes and modify
week were spoken by Christ to show the them through Christ's grace to comply with
love of the heavenly Father in seeking the
our heavenly Father's plans for us.
lost. They include the one lost sheep, the
one lost coin, and the
two
lost sons.
The main point of the story about the
LESSON OUTLINE
lost sheep is the world view—there is only
one lost planet. It knows it is lost but can-
1.
God's Seeking Love
not find its way back. So the Shepherd
Luke 15:3, 4
leaves everything to find it. In the story of
the lost coin the mother/bride mislays one
2. The Ideal Shepherd
of her treasured coins. It cannot move it-
John 10:7-11
self. So she retraces her steps and fulfills
her responsibilities and finds it. In the third
3. The Lost Dowry
story, each boy has a will of his own.
Luke 15:8, 9
Neither appreciates his father's love or the
privileges of his home. Each in his own
4. Death of a Prodigal
way rebels against his father's authority.
Luke 15:11-13
The patient, solicitious love of the father
shines through in brilliant contrast with
5. Life of a Prodigal
their selfishness and pride. In the parable
Luke 15:14-16
of the door of the sheepfold Christ is seen
as the only way into peace and fulfillment.
6. How Good Was He?
As we study these matchless stories let us
Luke 15:25-28
5
Heaven's Search and Rescue
LESSON 1
❑
Sunday
Part 1
"And He spake this parable unto them, saying, What
GOD'S SEEKING man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of
LOVE them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilder-
Luke 15:3, 4
ness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"
"In the company about Jesus there were shepherds, and also
men who had money invested in flocks and herds, and all could
appreciate His illustration."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 187.
Note the immediate circumstances for this parable as outlined
in Luke 15:1, 2. The verb indicates they continually came to
Jesus. Jesus identified the owner of the flock as being also the
shepherd. He had a double interest—personal affection as well
as personal investment. His heart was with his treasure. Did he
hesitate because only 1 percent of his sheep was lost? It is as
a mother who concentrates all her love and attention on her
one sick child. "The shepherd goes out to search for one sheep
—the very least that can be numbered. So if there had been but
one lost soul, Christ would have died for that
one."—Ibid.,
p. 187.
Who are the ninety-nine that need no repentance? Is there
any such person since Adam's fall? Rom. 5:12. Whom does the
psalmist identify as the lost sheep? Ps. 119:176. And God's
saints in every age know the answer. Do you? Micah 7:18.
What is Christ's warning? Ezek. 34:2-6.
Upon whom is attention focused—the shepherd who sought,
or the sheep that strayed? What is meant by "the wilderness"
or "the mountains"? Why do sheep stray?
THINK IT THROUGH
Christ willingly left all to seek His lost sheep. Do I appre-
ciate what He has done for me? Am I willing to follow
His example and go into the dark and cold after those
who are straying around me? Do I care enough?
"By the lost sheep Christ represents
not only the individual sinner but the
one world that has apostatized and has
been ruined by sin. The world is but an
atom in the vast dominions over which
God presides, yet this little fallen world
—the one lost sheep—is more precious
in His sight than are the ninety and
nine that went not astray from the
fold."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page
190.
"Thank God, He has presented to
our imagination no picture of a sor-
6
rowful shepherd returning without the
sheep. The parable does not speak of
failure but of success and joy in the
recovery. Here is the divine guarantee
that not even one of the straying sheep
of God's fold is overlooked, not one is
left unsuccored. Everyone that will
submit to be ransomed, Christ will
rescue from the pit of corruption and
from the briers of sin."—"Ibid.," p. 188.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 186-192 (1923 ed.,
pages 187-193).
Heaven's Search and Rescue
LESSON 1
❑
Monday
Part 2
"Jesus said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto
THE IDEAL SHEPHERD you, I am the door of the sheep. . . . I am the door: by
Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go
in and out, and find pasture. . . . I am the Good Shep-
John 10:7-11
herd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
Read also Luke 15:5-7.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Again Jesus found access to the minds of His hearers by the
pathway of their familiar associations.... No picture was more
familiar to His hearers than this, and Christ's words linked it
forever with Himself. Never could the disciples look on the
shepherds tending their flocks without recalling the Saviour's
lesson. They would see Christ in each faithful shepherd. They
would see themselves in each helpless and dependent flock."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 476.
In
the Scriptures Christ is termed the "Great
Shepherd" (Heb.
13:20) and the
"Chief
Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). "The Great
Shepherd has undershepherds, to whom He delegates the care
of His sheep and
lambs."—Gospel Workers,
page 182. He calls
Himself the
"Good
Shepherd." John 10:11. "The Bible reveals
Christ to us as the Good Shepherd, seeking with unwearied
feet for the lost
sheep."—Counsels to Teachers,
page 261.
Everyone who accepts the care of the Good Shepherd is himself
to be an undershepherd. Christ told Peter to show his love by
feeding His sheep and lambs. John 21:15, 17. See also
Evan-
gelism,
page 346.
Who is the door of the fold? John 10:9; 14:6. Is it blood-
marked? Ex. 12:7. Does a door keep out (shelter) or let in
(protect) ?
What is suggested of Christ through the characteristics of
effective shepherds? Tender and careful; watchful and solicitous
(Luke 15:4, 5) ; sacrificial and unselfish (John 10:14, 15) ;
known by His sheep and knows them (John 10:14) ; prepared
to help (Ps. 80:1) ; seeking the straying (Ps. 119:176).
What warnings to undershepherds are given in some char-
acteristics of evil shepherds? They feed themselves (Ezek. 34:
2-6) ; are idol (worthless) shepherds (Zech. 11:17, margin) ;
foolish shepherds (Zech. 11:15) ; hireling, fleeing ones (John
10:11-13).
With such a Shepherd and fold and provisions, why would
I as a sheep want to stray? Am I a shepherd or a sheep?
Do I always wish to get or to give of myself?
"In
this work all the angels of heaven
are ready to cooperate. All the re-
sources of heaven are at the command
of those who are seeking to save the
lost. Angels will help you to reach the
most careless and the most hardened.
And when one is brought back to God,
all heaven is made glad."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," page 197.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," pages 476-484.
7
Heaven's Search and Rescue
LESSON 1
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
"Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she
THE LOST DOWRY lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the
house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she
hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors
together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the
Luke 15:8, 9 piece which I had lost."
In the parable of the lost sheep the creature was aware that
it was lost but was helpless to do anything. The lost coin was
not aware of its condition. This thought applies particularly to
children, lost to Christ in our very homes. The coin is stamped
with the image of the king. Compare Gen. 1:27. Does it cease
to be silver though it is lost? "The lost coin represents those
who are lost in trespasses and sins, but who have no sense of
their condition. They are estranged from God, but they know
it not. Their souls are in peril, but they are unconscious and
unconcerned."—C
hrist's Object Lessons,
pages 193, 194.
The shepherd searches the wilderness, the woman her home.
The woman in this story well illustrates a mother in the home
as well as the maternal church. What three things does the
woman do to meet her problem? She lights a candle to dispel
darkness (in her environment) ; she carefully sweeps her
house to remove all defilement (her negligence has allowed to
accumulate). This is not accomplished without dust! Then she
finally searches diligently. The gospel still turns things upside
down! Acts 17:6. Does a coin lose itself? "Let the candle be
lighted. Search the Word of God, and by its light let everything
in the home be diligently examined, to see why this child is
lost. Let parents search their own hearts, examine their habits
and practices. Children are the heritage of the Lord, and we
are answerable to Him for our management of His property."
—Ibid.,
p. 195.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I lighting the candle of the Lord (Prow. 20:27) and
scouring my soul (Zeph. 1:12) and my home? Am I care-
fully sweeping away all that obstructs to find the lost?
Is there a coin lost in my home? my church?
"This parable has a lesson to fami-
lies. In the household there is often
great carelessness concerning the souls
of its members. Among their number
may be one who is estranged from
God; but how little anxiety is felt lest
in the family relationship there be lost
one of God's entrusted gifts."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," page 194.
"When you see those who are going
8
down to death, you will not rest in
quiet indifference and ease. The greater
their sin and the deeper their misery,
the more earnest and tender will be
your efforts for their recovery." "Ibid.,"
p. 197.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 192-197 (1923 ed.,
pages 193-199).
Heaven's Search and Rescue
LESSON 1
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"And He said, A certain man had two sons: and the
DEATH OF A younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the
PRODIGAL portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto
them his living. And not many days after the younger son
gathered all together, and took his journey into a far
country, and there wasted his substance with riotous liv-
Luke 15:11-13
ing."
This has been called the pearl and crown of all parables.
Who is represented by the "father"? the "sons"? Are they Jews
and Gentiles, Pharisees and publicans, classes of Christians in
the same church? Where do you think you fit in? The first
boy was young, inexperienced, and brash. Unlike the sheep and
the coin, he knew what he wanted and how to get it!
What attitude toward his father did the boy show by his
request? Luke 15:12. Would it have profited the father or the
boy if the father had insisted that he remain at home? Com-
pare Rom. 1:24, 26, 28. How much of the father's property
would the younger of two sons inherit? The elder brother al-
ways received a "double portion," and the other sons shared
the rest equally. So he would get one third.
"Not many days after" (Luke 15:13) suggests a slight delay.
Do you agree with Bernard of Clairvaux that apostasy of the
heart runs ahead of apostasy of the life and deed?
List some of the resources which our heavenly Father has
to divide to us. Into what did the boy change his resources?
Cash! To where did he journey? Do you think Augustine was
right in suggesting this "far land" is forgetfulness of God? Who
were his new "friends" and what "substance" did he squander?
Contrast all he "gathered" in his father's house with what he
"scattered" (literal Greek) in the foreign land. The son sought
freedom from restraint. Did he get it?
THINK IT THROUGH Do I value my share of my Father's home? Am I demand-
ing my rights without earning them? Am 1 longing for
freedom from restraint, or freedom to serve?
"Whatever the appearance may be,
every life centered in self is squan-
dered. Whoever attempts to live apart
from God is wasting his substance. He
is squandering the precious years,
squandering the powers of mind and
heart and soul, and working to
make
himself bankrupt for eternity. The man
who separates from God that he may
serve himself, is the slave of mammon.
The mind that God created for the com-
panionship of angels has become de-
graded to the service of that which is
earthly and bestial. This is the end to
which self-serving tends."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," pages 200, 201.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 198-200 (1923 ed.,
pages 201-203).
9
Heaven's Search and Rescue
LESSON 1
❑
Thursday
Part 5
"And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty
LIFE OF A famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And
PRODIGAL he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country;
and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he
would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the
Luke 15:14-16 swine did eat: and no man gave unto him."
Read Luke 15:17-24.
THINK IT THROUGH
What things in his new life were "foreign" to those of his
father's home? Is it true that all who seek freedom from the
Father find captivity with Satan? Rom. 6:16. What is suggested
by the "mighty famine"? Read Amos 8:11-13 and Jer. 2:13. Do
these texts bear upon life apart from God?
He found himself in "want." This means complete empti-
ness. In what ways may the life of a sinner be empty in spite
of his endless round of activities? What did the boy actually
do when he hired himself (literally "glued himself") to a citi-
zen of that land? Why is he not called a citizen himself? With
all his guilt and desire to rid himself of his father, why was the
boy not yet a citizen of the bad land? Something in his heart
evidently made him feel alien. What are "husks"? What sort
of companions did the prodigal now have? Consider Christ's
words in Matt. 7:6.
How do Paul's words apply to the prodigal? Rom. 7:24.
What is the answer to Paul's question? Rom. 7:25; 8:1.
What did Christ mean when He observed of the prodigal
that "he came to himself" before "he came to his father"? In
order to come to himself he must have gone out of himself.
What does this mean to you? John 6:44.
What part did the son play in his reinstatement in his fath-
er's home? Luke 15:18. The word for "hired servants" places
these in the lowest category in the household. Was he able to
announce all his own plans for his future to his father? Com-
pare his confession with that in Ex. 10:16 and Ps. 51:4. Did
his father have better plans? What do you understand by the
"robe" (Rev. 19:8; Zech. 3:4), and the "ring" (Eph. 1:13, 14;
Esther 3:10, 12) and the "shoes" of possession? Ruth 4:8; Eph.
6:15.
How do I see my Father's character in this story? How does
this story picture God to me? Am I delaying my complete
return to my Father's home and mine?
"The parables of the lost sheep, the
lost coin, and the prodigal son, bring
out in distinct lines God's pitying love
for those who are straying from Him.
Although they have turned away from
God, He does not leave them in their
misery. He is full of kindness and ten-
der pity toward all who are exposed
to the temptations of the artful foe."
—"Christ's Object Lessons," page 198.
10
"Arise and go to your Father. He will
meet you a great way off. If you take
even one step toward Him in repent-
ance, He will hasten to enfold you in
His arms of infinite love."—"Ibid.," p.
206.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 200-207 (1923 ed.,
pages 203-209).
Heaven's Search and Rescue
LESSON 1
0
Friday
Part 6
HOW GOOD
WAS HE?
Luke 15:25-28
"Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came
and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
. . . Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the
fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came
his father out, and intreated him."
Read also Luke 15:29-32.
The prodigal son had been dead in sin (Eph. 2:1-5) and
was not alive to God and righteousness. To all outward ap-
pearances this elder son was a "good son." He did not share the
obvious faults of his brother—filial ingratitude, greed, uncon-
cern for others—but this incident shows up what was in his
heart—pride and malignity.
He was working "in the field." What does this suggest to
you? Does this quiet questioning of one of the servants indicate
a suspicious character? Why should his father not have a feast
when he wished? The servant read the father's heart and ex-
pressed it in the words "safe and sound." But the elder brother
showed no concern for his brother's condition and experienced
no joy at his return. He was coldly "angry" (Matt. 5:22) and
heartless. How did the father treat him? In response, the elder
son spoke of "this thy son"—not "my brother"! There was
nothing in Christ's story about "harlots" (though it was true)
but the "senior saint" called attention to this fact!
Was the elder brother falling into the sin of the younger man
in demanding "his portion" of his father's goods? He did not
identify with his father's joys. In what sense was he also
"dead"? Why did not the father strongly rebuke the elder son?
Like others of the Master Teacher's stories, the end of this one
is not given. It is still being enacted. It rests with each one to
see what the outcome is. This other son's part in this parable
points out to us the danger of self-righteousness and of harbor-
ing a cold, critical spirit. What is the only way to counteract
this? Isa. 58:6, 7. What is included in "all that I have is thine"?
THINK IT THROUGH Am I a "sour saint" wanting to put his father straight?
The older brother was right; yet how wrong he was in
proving his righteousness. He never left home, but he was
lost! Did Christ focus attention on the father or on his
sons? What is the significance for me in this? Am I to all
outward appearances a law-abiding Christian, while in-
wardly I harbor a cold, critical self-righteousness that is
an offense to God? Am I guilty of playing the part of the
"older brother"? Do I go off in a huff? Why did Christ
end with, "He would not go in"?
"By the elder son were represented strance with the elder son was Heaven's
the unrepenting Jews of Christ's day, tender appeal to the Pharisees."—
and also the Pharisees in every age, "Christ's Object Lessons," page 209.
who look with contempt upon those
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
whom they regard as publicans and Lessons," pages 207-211 (1923 ed,
sinners. . . .
pages 209-213).
"In the parable the father's remon-
11
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his way back, the lost world; (b) the one who does not know he is lost and does not know his way,
the child in the home; (c) the one who knows he is lost and knows his way home; (d) the one who
thinks
he
is all right but is lost. 3. (a) The shepherd is Christ; (b) the woman is the church; (c) the
heavenly Father. 4. Rejoicing. 5. Welcomed, clothed, fed, rejoiced. 6. a, c.
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LESSON 2
April 11
MY GOD IS CONCERNED
2
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.
In these fast-moving, materialistic days,
men rush to grasp immediate rewards and
quick profits. Many times they remain un-
satisfied with their prizes. Christ was well
aware of man's basic needs. In the parable
of the treasure trove the prize was dis-
covered almost by accident. Certainly there
was no prior realization of what lay con-
cealed under the sod. But the treasure had
already been hidden there. It was treasure
whether the finder realized it or not.
In the story about the pearl the merchant
deliberately and methodically set out to
find the superior pearl. When he had dis-
covered it, he exchanged all he had for it.
He was very deeply concerned for what he
regarded as of supreme value.
In the episodes of the wise men at
Christ's birth and of the Greeks immedi-
ately before His crucifixion, man's quest
for the Saviour is epitomized. We find
when we seek. These basic truths, that
God has supplied all we need, and that if
we seriously and continuously search we
shall find, are painted by Christ in bird
plumes and lily fragrance.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Treasure Trove
Matt. 13:44
2.
Pearls—Sought and Bought
Matt. 13:45
3.
Bargain Hunter
Matt. 13:46
4.
Vision Glorious
John 12:20-22
5.
Dying to Live
John 12:24, 25
6.
Look Around and Learn
Maft. 6:26-29
13
My God Is Concerned
LESSON 2
❑
Sunday
Part 1
"The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a
TREASURE TROVE field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and
for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and
Matt. 13:44 buyeth that field."
In this parable, spoken to those in "the house" (Matt.
13:36), Jesus referred to the ancient custom of hiding treasure
for safety. Treasure is the center of this story. Whenever dan-
ger threatened by invasion, by hordes of robbers, or by the gov-
ernment tax gatherers demanding illegal amounts in tribute
money, those who had possessions hid them till times were
better. Burying them in the earth was a common practice. On
occasion the treasure was abandoned either because the owner
had been killed or because he had forgotten where he hid it.
It was not uncommon for a man plowing in a field to unearth
jewelry or coins.
In Christ's parable of the treasure, who do you think hid
it? What was an occupation of some in olden times? Job 3:21;
Prov. 2:4. It was while he was about his daily tasks that the
farmer came upon the treasure. This was a result of his per-
sonal effort. Was he actually looking for it? Contrast this atti-
tude with the man who deliberately set out to find good pearls.
How do these two men illustrate characters on their way to
heaven?
"A man might pass over the place where treasure had been
concealed. In dire necessity he might sit down to rest at the
foot of a tree, not knowing of the riches hidden at its roots. So
it was with the Jews. As a golden treasure, truth had been en-
trusted to the Hebrew people. The Jewish economy, bearing
the signature of Heaven, had been instituted by Christ Himself.
In types and symbols the great truths of redemption were
veiled. Yet when Christ came, the Jews did not recognize Him
to whom these symbols pointed. . . . The spiritual import of
the sacred writings was lost. The treasure house of all knowl-
edge was open to them, but they knew it
not."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
pages 104, 105.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I really searching for true treasure? Or am I content
with what is actually tinsel? How diligently am I plowing
the Scripture fields?
"This parable illustrates the value
of the heavenly treasure, and the effort
that should be made to secure it. The
finder of the treasure in the field was
ready to part with all that he had,
ready to put forth untiring labor, in
order to secure the hidden riches. So
the finder of heavenly treasure will
14
count no labor too great and no sacri-
fice too dear, in order to gain the trea-
sures of truth."—"Christ's Object Les-
sons," page 104.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 103-114 (1923 ed.,
pages 101-113).
My
God Is Concerned
LESSON 2
❑
Monday
Part 2
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a mer-
PEARLS—SOUGHT chantman, seeking goodly pearls."
AND BOUGHT
Matt. 13:45
THINK IT THROUGH
In the previous parable the kingdom of heaven is like trea-
sure. Here it is like a merchant seeking. What is the difference?
With deliberate intent Christ has set side by side the
finders
and the
seekers.
This parable has a double meaning. It repre-
sents those who seek the kingdom of heaven, but it also ap-
plies to Christ who seeks for His lost inheritance. Why did
Christ call the man a "merchantman"? He "represents a class
who were sincerely desiring
truth."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 116.
The term "merchantman" means one who travels around
and buys. His search shows resolution, planning, and appropri-
ate direction. "Christ, the heavenly merchantman seeking
goodly pearls, saw in lost humanity the pearl of price. In man,
defiled and ruined by sin, He saw the possibilities of redemp-
tion. Hearts that have been the battleground of the conflict with
Satan, and that have been rescued by the power of love, are
more precious to the Redeemer than are those who have never
fallen. God looked upon humanity, not as vile and worthless;
He looked upon it in Christ, saw it as it might become through
redeeming love. He collected all the riches of the universe, and
laid them down in order to buy the pearl. And Jesus, having
found it, resets it in His own diadem. Tor they shall be as the
stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land.' Zech.
9:16."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 118.
How will Christ regard those who give up all to obtain the
pearl of great price? Mal. 3:17. What did Mary find? Luke
10:41, 42.
Do I consistently seek only those things that are of eternal
value—the goodly pearls of life? By what attitude may
I turn from the pearls Christ places before us? Matt. 7:6.
What do I see of Christ's quest in this parable?
"We are to seek for the pearl of
great price, but not in worldly marts or
in worldly ways. The price we are re-
quired to pay is not gold or silver, for
this belongs to God. Abandon the idea
that temporal or spiritual advantages
will win for you salvation. God calls
for your willing obedience. He asks
you to give up your sins. 'To him that
overcometh,' Christ declares, 'will I
grant to sit with Me in My throne, even
as I also overcame, and am set down
with My Father in His throne.' Rev.
3:21."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," page
117.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 115-117 (1923 ed.,
same).
15
My God Is Concerned
LESSON 2
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
BARGAIN HUNTER
"Who, when he had found one pearl of great price,
Matt. 13:46 went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
Read Col. 2:3.
THINK IT THROUGH
As he went from market to market, the merchantman kept
his eyes open for an exceptional pearl. At last he found just
what he had long been searching for—a lustrous, beautiful pearl
of great value. He longed to have it for himself, but he did not
immediately have the money it would take to purchase it. What
do you understand is involved in his "selling his all" to obtain
it? Compare Isa. 55:1; Matt. 25:9, 10; Rev. 3:18; Prov. 23:23.
How do we indicate our eagerness to possess the Pearl? Does
Christ's parable apply to us? Matt. 6:21. What is the measure
of the value of the salvation Christ offers us? I Peter 1:18, 19.
"All that can satisfy the needs and longings of the human
soul, for this world and for the world to come, is found in
Christ. Our Redeemer is the pearl so precious that in compari-
son all things else may be accounted
loss."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 115.
Of what are the gates of the New Jerusalem made? Rev.
21:21. What is suggested by the history of a pearl? The pearl
is the product of an injury or irritation to the living oyster.
By the defense mechanism of the mollusk the irritant becomes
the nucleus of a pearl as it is encrusted by layer upon layer of
nacre. Thus the injury is turned into a precious jewel. It was
only through injury inflicted on the Pearl of great price, our
Lord Himself, that we can obtain an entrance to the heavenly
city.
Do I appreciate the Pearl of great price enough and value
the suffering He endured to provide for my entrance into
the city of life? How much am I prepared to exchange for
this eternal reward?
"There are some who seem to be
always seeking for the heavenly pearl.
But they do not make an entire sur-
render of their wrong habits. They do
not die to self that Christ may live in
them. Therefore they do not find the
precious pearl. They have not over-
come unholy ambition and their love
for worldly attractions. They do not
take up the cross and follow Christ in
16
the path of self-denial and sacrifice.
Almost Christians, yet not fully Chris-
tians, they seem near the kingdom of
heaven, but they cannot enter there.
Almost but not wholly saved, means
to be not almost but wholly lost."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," page 118.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 117-121 (1923
ed.,
same).
My God Is Concerned
LESSON 2
❑
Wednesdaz
Part 4
"And there were certain Greeks among them that
VISION GLORIOUS came up to worship at the feast: the same came therefore
John 12:20-22
to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired
him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and
telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus."
Read also Matt. 2:1, 2.
Through all ages and in every land thinking men have been
seeking for the Pearl of great price without realizing exactly
what they wanted. Centuries ago Augustine put this longing
into beautiful language: "0 Lord, Thou hast made us for Thy-
self, and our heart is restless till it find rest in Thee." At the
beginning of our Saviour's life on earth "wise men" came from
the "east" seeking Him. Matt. 2:1. Just before the end of His
earthly sojourn Greeks came from the "west." What was their
request? John 12:21. What kind of men are represented by
these two groups? Do you think that these two incidents are
a representation of man's response to the plan of salvation?
What did Jesus mean by His response? John 12:23.
"When Christ heard the eager request, 'We would see Jesus,'
echoing the hungering cry of the world, His countenance
lighted up, and He said, 'The hour is come, that the Son of
man should be glorified.' In the request of the Greeks He saw
an earnest of the results of His great sacrifice."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page
621.
THINK IT THROUGH How far had these two groups come to seek Christ? Am
I as eager in my search for Christ the Pearl of great price
as were the wise men from the east or the Greeks from
the west? What characteristics do I possess in common
with these men? Are my motivations similar to theirs?
"These men came from the west to
find the Saviour at the close of His life,
as the wise men had come from the
east at the beginning. At the time of
Christ's birth the Jewish people were
so engrossed with their own ambitious
plans that they knew not of His ad-
vent. The magi from a heathen land
came to the manger with their gifts, to
worship the Saviour. So these Greeks,
representing the nations, tribes, and
people of the world, came to see Jesus.
So the people of all lands and all ages
would be drawn by the Saviour's cross.
So shall many 'come from the east and
west, and shall sit down with Abra-
ham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the king-
dom of heaven.' Matt. 8:11."—"The De-
sire of Ages," pages 621, 622.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," pages 621, 622.
17
My God Is Concerned
LESSON 2
❑
Thursday
Part 5
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat
DYING TO LIVE fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it
die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life
shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall
John 12:24, 25
keep it unto life eternal."
This parable given at the time of the Greeks' inquiry, has a
double meaning. It refers to Christ's dying to obtain our re-
demption. It also refers to His disciples, who must die to self
before they can live for Christ. Does what Jesus meant in Matt.
16:24 apply to you? Who is represented by the "corn of
wheat"? When does it fall? What causes its death? The botanist
observes that a potato rots in the soil before the new crop is
produced. What does this mean in your life? Rom. 7:9, 10. Is
there significance to the "ground" where it is buried?
"The life must be cast into the furrow of the world's need.
Self-love, self-interest, must perish. But the law of self-sacrifice
is the law of self-preservation. The seed buried in the ground
produces fruit, and in turn this is planted. Thus the harvest is
multiplied. The husbandman preserves his grain by casting it
away. So in human life, to give is to live. The life that will be
preserved is the life that is freely given in service to God and
man. Those who for Christ's sake sacrifice their life in this
world, will keep it unto life
eternal."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 86, 87.
What do you understand by "the furrow of the world's
need"? What does Christ mean by saying we should hate our
lives? How may we keep our lives unto eternal life? What is
the death to which Christ refers? Read Paul's point of view
in Phil. 1:21; Gal. 2:20, 21.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I willing to be cast like the seed into the soil to die
to self before I can live for Christ? Was it easy for our
Saviour to cast Himself into this world's furrow?
"The seed dies to spring forth into
new life, and in this we are taught the
lesson of the resurrection. All who love
God will live again in the Eden above.
Of the human body laid away to
molder in the grave God has said, 'It is
sown in corruption; it is raised in in-
18
corruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is
raised in glory: it is sown in weakness;
it is raised in power.' 1 Cor. 15:42, 43."
—"Christ's Object Lessons," page 87.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 86, 87 (1923 ed., pages
88, 89).
My God Is Concerned
LESSON 2
❑
Friday
Part 6
LOOK AROUND
AND LEARN
Matt. 6:26-29
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither
do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly
Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
. . . Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they
toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you,
That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like
one of these."
Read also Job 38:41.
God feeds every creature. He spreads a table for the birds
everywhere. What means does He use to do this? Why does
He not put the food in their nests? The birds must do their
part by searching for the food that is all around them. In the
same way God provides for us. What must we do for our
part? Isa. 55:1, 2. Do you truly believe that since God takes
care of the sparrow, He will take care of you?
God clothes the lilies of the field in rainbow beauty. He sup-
plies the sun and rain and the nutrients of the soil to promote
their growth. They press their roots into the ground to take
up needed nourishment. They obey the laws of the universe.
"God's law is the law of love. He has surrounded you with
beauty to teach you that you are not placed on earth merely
to delve for self, to dig and build, to toil and spin, but to
make life bright and joyous and beautiful with the love of
Christ—like the flowers, to gladden other lives by the ministry
of
love."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page 97.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I take time to allow the beautiful things of nature to
speak their silent messages to my heart and bring it
peace?
"In the loveliness of the things of
nature you may learn more of the wis-
dom of God than the schoolmen know.
On the lily's petals, God has written a
message for you, written in language
that your heart can read only as it un-
learns the lessons of distrust and sel-
fishness and corroding care. Why has
He given you the singing birds and the
gentle blossoms, but from the over-
flowing love of a Father's heart, that
would brighten and gladden your path
of life? All that was needed for exis-
tence would have been yours without
the flowers and birds, but God was not
content to provide what would suffice
for mere existence. He has filled earth
and air and sky with glimpses of
beauty to tell you of His loving thought
for you. The beauty of all created things
is but a gleam from the shining of His
glory. If He has lavished such infinite
skill upon the things of nature, for
your happiness and joy, can you doubt
that He will give you every needed
blessing?"—"Thoughts From the Mount
of Blessing," pages 96, 97.
For deeper study: "Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing," pages 95-98 (1943
ed., pages
141-146).
19
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1. Give up everything to obtain it. 2. True. 3. Delete "James" and "Paul." 4. The wise men, the
Greeks. 5. The grain of wheat falling into the earth. 6. The fowls of the air, the lilies of the field.
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LESSON 3
April 18
IS IT NOTHING TO THEE?
3
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Luke
10:27.
This is an age in which everyone minds
his own business. We often read of inno-
cent persons being robbed or beaten in full
view of several indifferent and curious by-
standers who do nothing whatever to help.
We hear over the news of large popula-
tions of our fellow human beings in dire
need, of thousands dying of starvation,
and we shrug it off and do nothing. We
read of accidents by land and sea and air,
of tragedies almost next door, and hardly
give them a second passing thought. The
characteristic of a large segment of our
society is to shrug off all personal involve-
ment with an offhand, "So what?" Our
Lord has a message to correct this attitude
and to indicate areas in which His follow-
ers should be vitally concerned.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Earning Merit Points With God
Luke 10:25-27
2.
Why Worry About Him?
Luke 10:28, 29
3.
Should I Get Involved?
Luke 10:30-32
4.
Love Power
Luke 10:33-37
5.
Who Cares Enough?
Luke 12:42-44
6.
Something New, Something Old
Matt. 13:52
21
Is It Nothing to Thee?
LESSON 3
0
Sunday
Part 1
"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted
EARNING MERIT Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal
POINTS WITH GOD life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how
readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind;
Luke 10:25-27 and thy neighbor as thyself."
Was the lawyer genuinely worried about what he should
"do"? What is meant by "tempting Him"? Compare Matt.
22:35. Tempting means testing and may not have bad conno-
tations. James 1:13; Gen. 22:1. Most of us would rather "do"
than "be." But can we sinful persons become right before God
by what we do? Rom. 3:12, 20. The lawyer wondered whether
he could "inherit."
How only does one become an heir? John 3:3, 5. Inheritance
is thus the
natural
result of being. How may we become "heirs"
of God? Gal. 3:29. Does it ever follow that eternal life comes
naturally on the heels of "doing"? Rom. 6:23.
Jesus in His reply to the lawyer asked two questions—
"What is written in the law?" and "How readest thou?" What
did He mean? How may we read what we want into the Bible?
Would you apply Christ's questions to our situation today?
What passages did the lawyer readily quote? Deut. 6:5; Lev.
19:18.
"The words of Deut. 6:5 were recited by every devout Jew
morning and evening as a part of the
shema' . . . ,
and were
worn also in the phylacteries. . . . Jews who had an insight
into the inner meaning of 'the law' . . . should have realized
that its principles were not arbitrary but based on fundamen-
tal principles of right which might properly be summed up in
the command 'to love.'
"—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Luke
10:27.
THINK IT THROUGH' 'Am I interested merely in getting so much of the Bible
read daily, or am I seeking divine insights for my own
_
spiritual growth and for the_help of others? Am I more
interested in
a disciple of Christ than in "doing"
deeds to earn merit points with man and
Gain
How
-
do
I demonstrate what I am? See James 3.
"The lawyer was not satisfied with
the position and works of the Pharisees.
He had been studying the Scriptures
with a desire to learn their real mean-
ing. He had a vital interest in the mat-
ter, and had asked in sincerity, 'What
shall I do?' In his answer as to the re-
quirements of the law, he passed by
all the mass of ceremonial and ritual-
istic precepts. For these he claimed no
value, but presented the two great
principles on which hang all the law
22
and the prophets. This answer, being
commended by Christ, placed the. Sav-
iour on vantage ground with the rab-
bis. They could not condemn Him for
sanctioning that which had been ad-
vanced by an expositor of the law."—
"The Desire of Ages," pages 497, 498.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 376-378 (1923 ed.,
pages 381, 382); "The Desire of Ages,"
pages 497, 498.
Is It Nothing to Thee?
LESSON 3
❑
Monday
Part 2
WHY WORRY
"And he said unto him, Thou host answered right: this
ABOUT HIM? do, and tho
-
u shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself,
Luke 10:28, 29 said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?"
The lawyer's reply to Christ's question about what was
written in the law was right. Love is the answer—love to God
and toward our fellowmen. Figure out how this applies to each
command of God. Christ commended him for his good response,
and said, "This do, and thou shalt live." What are "works"
in God's sight? John 6:29. Our
doing
consists in loving. Has
loving to do with "being" or "doing"? But the lawyer felt
threatened by Christ's question. The Teacher before him was
aware of the secrets in his life.
"The lawyer knew that he had kept neither the first four
nor the last six commandments. He was convicted under Christ's
searching words, but instead of confessing his sin he tried to
excuse it. Rather than acknowledge the truth, he endeavored to
show how difficult of fulfillment the commandment is. Thus he
hoped both to parry conviction and to vindicate himself in the
eyes of the people. The Saviour's words had shown that his
question was needless, since he was able to answer it himself.
Yet he put another question, saying, 'Who is my neighbor?'"
—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 378, 379.
He wanted to draw Christ into a controversy by this ques-
tion, for it was heatedly disputed among the Jews. This would
distract attention from his personal religion by irrelevant dia-
logue. He wanted an argument to confirm his own ideas, which
limited the circle of those about whom he felt he should worry.
But to whom is every true Christian in debt? Rom. 13:8.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I ever try to evade vital issues by sidetracking the
discussion into theoretical arguments? Am I really honest
with myself and others in all my speaking and doing and
believing? What does self-justification reveal in my char-
acter?
"Among the Jews the question, 'Who
is my neighbor?' caused endless dis-
pute. They had no doubt as to the
heathen and the Samaritans. These
were strangers and enemies. But where
should the distinction be made among
the people of their own nation and
among the different classes of society?
Whom should the priest, the rabbi, the
elder, regard as neighbor? They spent
their lives in a round of ceremonies to
make themselves pure. Contact with
the ignorant and careless multitude,
they taught, would cause defilement
that would require wearisome effort to
remove. Were they to regard the 'un-
clean' as neighbors?"—"Christ's Object
Lessons," page 376.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," page 498; "Christ's Object Les-
sons," pages 378, 379 (1923 ed., page
383).
23
Is It Nothing to Thee?
LESSON 3
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
"And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down
SHOULD I GET from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which
INVOLVED? stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and de-
parted, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came
down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him,
he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite,
when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and
Luke 10:30-32 passed by on the other side."
Jesus was relating what had recently occurred. The details
were fresh in the memories of his hearers. Compare what the
bandits did with Satan's work against mankind in Eden—
"stripped" them (Gen. 3:7)—left them "half dead" (Gen. 2:17).
Who is the arch robber? John 8:44.
" 'Down' is the correct word to describe the descent from
Jerusalem, more than 2,500 ft. above sea level, to Jericho,
about 700 ft. below sea level. The main road from Jerusalem
to Jericho follows the
Wddi Qelt
down through a portion of
the dry, barren, uninhabited hills of the wilderness of Judah.
[Cf. Deut. 34:3 ; Josh. 16:1.] At one point the
Wadi Qelt
nar-
rows into a rocky defile that from time immemorial has been
the haunt of robbers. The entire region, with its many caves and
rocks, provides a perfect hideout for outlaws."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Luke 10:30.
What instruction had God given His people concerning the
treatment of strangers? Lev. 19:34. What lies behind the words
"by chance" or "by coincidence"? The priest at a glance took in
what had happened and passed by on the other side. The
Levite at least went and looked at the victim! But he, too,
passed by on the other side. From their reactions, what do you
discover about the characters of the two religious officials? Did
they obey God's law? Deut. 22:4; Ex. 23:5. A man is more
important than a beast. Compare Isa. 58:7.
What principles do you find in the story which are applicable
to our conditions today?
THINK IT THROUGH Am I afraid to share another's problems, or am I ready
to try to help all I can wherever the opportunity is brought
to my notice? What are my motives when confronted with
basic human needs?
"The angels of heaven look upon the
distress of God's family upon the earth,
and they are prepared to cooperate
with men in relieving oppression and
suffering. God in His providence had
brought the priest and the Levite along
the road where the wounded sufferer
lay, that they might see his need of
mercy and help. All heaven watched
to see if the hearts of these men would
be touched with pity for human woe.
The Saviour was the One who had in-
structed the Hebrews in the wilderness;
24
from the pillar of cloud and of fire He
had taught a very different lesson from
that which the people were now re-
ceiving from their priests and teachers.
The merciful provisions of the law ex-
tended even to the lower animals,
which cannot express in words their
want and suffering."—"The Desire of
Ages," page 500.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," page 379 (1923 ed., pages
383, 384); "The Desire of Ages," pages
499, 500.
Is It Nothing to Thee?
LESSON 3
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where
LOVE POWER he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on
him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring
in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and
brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the
morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and
gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of
him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come
again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, think-
est thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the
thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him.
Luke 10:33-37 Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."
Who were the Samaritans? Jesus called a Samaritan a
"stranger." Luke 17:18. For an understanding of the conditions
during which their hositility with the Jews first developed,
read Josephus,
Antiquities
9:14:3; 11:8:6; and
SD A Bible Dic-
tionary,
art. "Samaritans."
The Samaritan in Christ's story went to where the unfor-
tunate man was lying. Should we ever wait for the needy to
come to us for help? There is no substitute for personal con-
tacts. The Samaritan acted immediately—"when he saw him."
Our help must be timely.
He "had compassion." Are our acts of mercy accompanied
by a feeling of genuine sympathy for those we help? Or are
we patronizing and activated by baser motives? His service
to the victim of brutality was personal. He might have argued
that he lacked equipment, but instead he did what he could.
He poured in wine to cleanse and oil (Isa. 1:6) to soothe. He
ministered to the man's needs with his own hands and from his
own supplies, using his own beast (cf. 2 Chron. 28:15) to trans-
port the victim to a place of safety and comfort.
THINK IT THROUGH Does Jesus always have some deficiency in our service
to make up? Is one who needs love or one who shows
love a neighbor? Did the lawyer get the point of the
story? The lawyer inquired, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus
replied, "To whom should I be neighborly?" List oppor-
tunities which you think are parallel today for us to
show the power of love in our lives.
"This Samaritan represents Christ.
Our Saviour manifested for us a love
that the love of man can never equal.
When we were bruised and dying, He
had pity upon us. He did not pass us
by on the other side, and leave us,
helpless and hopeless, to perish. He did
not remain in His holy, happy home,
where He was beloved by all the heav-
enly host. He beheld our sore need, He
undertook our case, and identified His
interests with those of humanity. He
died to save His enemies. He prayed
for His murderers. Pointing to His own
example, He says to His followers,
'These things I command you, that ye
love one another'; 'as I have loved you,
that ye also love one another.' John
15:17; 13:34."—"Christ's Object Les-
sons," pages 381, 382.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 379, 380 (1923 ed.,
pages 384, 385); "The Desire of Ages,"
page 503.
25
Is It Nothing to Thee?
LESSON 3
❑
Thursday
Part 5
WHO CARES
ENOUGH?
Luke 12:42-44
"And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise
steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his house-
hold, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh
shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will
make him ruler over all that he hath."
To what time "when he [his lord] cometh" does this parable
apply? What factors lead you personally to conclude that we
are living in the "time" Christ had in mind? What should all
"good stewards" be doing? Whom do they represent? What
did Jesus mean by giving "meat in due season"? Why? Who
laid this duty on the steward? What is the "meat"? What did
Jesus indicate constituted the most important "diet" for His
disciples? John 6:53-58, 63.
How should those who are waiting for the second advent
of Christ be spending their time? What happens to the servant
who is
not
faithful in his watching? Luke 12:45-48. Over what
is Jesus going to set the faithful as rulers? Matt. 19:28. What
is suggested by the words "his heart"? Prov. 4:23. In what ways
did the servant "beat" his fellows? Isa. 58:4. With what may
the unwary become drunk? Rev. 17:2. Upon what basis did
Jesus say the sentences in the judgment will be handed out?
THINK IT THROUGH When did I last give a Bible study? What do I consider is
"present truth"? Do I ever think, without actually saying
it out loud, that my Lord is delaying His coming? Am I
tempted to become more and more absorbed in the things
of the world instead of studying to give others "meat in
due season"? How may I prepare for my Lord's coming?
Be specific.
"'Unto whomsoever much is given,
of him shall be much required.' Luke
12:48. We shall individually be held
responsible for doing one jot less than
we have ability to do. The Lord mea-
sures with exactness every possibility
for service. The unused capabilities are
as much brought into account as are
those that are improved. For all that
we might become through the right use
of our talents God holds us responsible.
We shall be judged according to what
26
we ought to have done, but did not
accomplish because we did not use our
powers to glorify God. Even if we do
not lose our souls, we shall realize in
eternity the result of our unused talents.
For all the knowledge and ability that
we might have gained and did not,
there will be an eternal loss."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," pages 362, 363.
For deeper study: "SDA Bible Com-
mentary," on Luke 12:42-48.
Is It Nothing to Thee?
LESSON 3
0
Friday
Part 6
"Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which
SOMETHING NEW, is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a
SOMETHING OLD man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of
Matt. 13:52 his treasure things new and old."
Who is represented by the "scribe"? What does Jesus mean
by "the kingdom of heaven"? Have I accepted the instruction
God gives? What are the treasures "new and old"? Why are
they termed "treasures"? What makes some of them "new"
and others "old"? "The Word of God includes the Scriptures
of the Old Testament as well as of the New. One is not com-
plete without the other. Christ declared that the truths of the
Old Testament are as valuable as those of the New. Christ
was as much man's Redeemer in the beginning of the world
as He is
today."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 126.
Christ often presented old truths to His hearers, but He
shed on them a new light. He did this by placing them in the
setting of the people's needs. So His representatives are to
-•••,-
teach the age-old truths—the old treasures—but make them
-
4,0j
\
,
-
0\4 _sparkle with new light and close personal relevance. Am I a
faithful "scribe" or "householdeT"? Should
rbe
—
Opealin
g
to
my family or close associates as did the jailer at Philippi? Acts
16:30-33.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is my main concern for others, bruised and wounded and
dying, to share my spiritual birthright? Are there any
members of my "house" whom I am neglecting? Am I
instructing others in the way of life? Do I study to bring
a freshness and vitality into the old truths of the Word?
Do I strive for originality or the finding of "new light"?
Actually, is the Bible really vivid and timely in my own
_life?
"The Old Testament sheds light upon
the New, and the New upon the Old.
Each is a revelation of the glory of
God in Christ. Both present truths that
will continually reveal new depths of
meaning to the earnest seeker."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," page 128.
"The great storehouse of truth is the
word .of God—the written word, the
book of nature, and the book of ex-
perience in God's dealing with human
life. Here are the treasures from which
Christ's workers are to draw. In the
search after truth they are to depend
upon God, not upon human intelli-
gences, the great men whose wisdom
is foolishness with God. Through His
own appointed channels the Lord will
impart a knowledge of Himself to every
seeker."—"Ibid.," p. 125.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 124-134 (1923 ed.,
pages 125-135).
:27
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1. "What is written in the law?" and "How readest thou?" 2. "Who is my neighbor?" 3. The
Levite, the priest. 4. Had compassion on him, rendered him first aid, provided transportation for him,
nursed him, provided financially for him. 5. Feed, word. 6. True.
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LESSON 4
April 25
PEOPLE CAN CHANGE
4
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."
Luke 2:52.
There are many problems in life that
often make it difficult for us to bring our
plans to maturity. In agriculture, for ex-
ample, pests devour the seed before it has
time to germinate. Animals seek to eat the
young shoots. Fungi and other destructive
diseases devastate the fruit. The question
naturally arises, Can a bountiful harvest
ever be gathered? The same question may
well be asked of conditions in "the kingdom
of God." Will the Great Harvester ever be
able to gather a bountiful crop of souls
from the seed He has sown? The enemies
of God's government constantly employ
every means to thwart the divine pur-
poses. Through thousands of years Satan
has manipulated the environment and de-
based the human stock until it almost seems
that nothing can be done to transform lives.
But people can change! The power that
created can recreate.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Size Does Not Matter
Matt. 13:31, 32
2.
Power From Within
Luke 13:20, 21
3.
What Counts Is Growth
Mark 4:26, 27
4.
The Lavish Sower
Matt. 13:2, 3
5.
Of Seeds and Soils
Luke 8:5-7
6.
Fertile Soil
Luke 8:8, 15
29
People Can Change
LESSON 4
❑
Sunday
Part 1
"Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The
SIZE DOES NOT kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed,
MATTER which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed
is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the
greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the
Matt. 13:31,32 birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof."
As in other parables the "man" refers first to our Lord
Jesus Christ and secondarily to human beings. "Sowing" sug-
gests scattering seed to gain a harvest. Christ sows, man sows.
This act is used with a larger meaning than it has in the preci-
sion of gardening. The seed is cast forth far and wide. What
universal law governs the sowing of the seed and the reaping of
the harvest? Gal. 6:7. How would you apply this to your busi-
ness ventures, your social contacts, and your missionary activ-
ities?
Among the Jews the mustard seed was proverbial for small-
ness (Luke 17:6), as it is among the Arabs (Koran, sura 31).
Christ uses the mustard plant because of its tiny seed and ulti-
mately large size. Its small seed might lead the thoughtless to
consider it powerless. It is not the beginning but the ending
that counts. The mustard seed possesses mighty potential to
multiply its size many times, becoming the "greatest among
herbs." It works extensively and visibly and outwardly.
THINK IT THROUGH In what way does the truth taught by the parable of the
mustard seed apply to each human heart and also to the
growth of the Christian church in the world? Am I tempted
to think that size of beginning is important? If the seed
can change into a tree, can "faith as a grain of mustard
seed" remove my difficulties and help my transformation?
"At first it [the mustard seed] sent
up a tender shoot, but it was of strong
vitality, and grew and flourished until
it reached its present great size. So
the kingdom of Christ in its beginning
seemed humble and insignificant. Com-
pared with earthly kingdoms it ap-
peared to be the least of all. By the
rulers of this world Christ's claim to be
a king was ridiculed. Yet in the mighty
truths committed to His followers the
kingdom of the gospel possessed a
divine life. And how rapid was its
growth, how widespread its influence!
When Christ spoke this parable, there
were only a few Galilean peasants to
represent the new kingdom. Their pov-
30
erty, the fewness of their numbers,
were urged over and over again as a
reason why men should not connect
themselves with these simple-minded
fishermen who followed Jesus. But the
mustard seed was to grow and spread
forth its branches throughout the world.
When the earthly kingdoms whose
glory then filled the hearts of men
should perish, the kingdom of Christ
would remain, a mighty and far-reach-
ing power."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"
pages 77, 78.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 76-79 (1923 ed., pages
75-79).
People Can Change
LESSON 4
❑
Monday
Part 2
"And again He said, Whereunto shall I liken the king-
POWER FROM dom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and
WITHIN hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leav-
Luke 13:20, 21 ened."
Read also 1 Cor. 5:6, 7.
Leaven works silently and unobtrusively. Unlike the mus-
tard seed, it works intensively from within, and its processes
are not seen by anyone. Leaven thus represents hidden principles
that alter our nature, our thinking, and our entire life. In the
Scriptures leaven may stand for both good and evil influences.
Christ gave His disciples warnings against three insidious con-
tacts. They should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. What
was this? Luke 12:1.
What bearing may the leaven of the Sadducees have on our
lives? Matt. 16:11, 12. What did the Sadducees deny? This
philosophy would lead to certain negative attitudes. Can you
list some results in your life that might spring from this leaven?
Acts 23:8. The leaven of Herod (Mark 8:15) reflected that pol-
itic Edomite's attitude to life. What were characteristics of
Esau-Edom? Can we develop this philosophy today?
"As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from
within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that
the grace of God works to transform the life. No mere external
change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God. There
are many who try to reform by correcting this or that bad
habit, and they hope in this way to become Christians, but
they are beginning in the wrong place. Our first work is with
the
heart."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 97.
For the leaven to work, it must be kneaded into the dough.
As with the woman and the lost silver coin, this woman's
ministry is the quiet work in the home, of putting into the
pliable minds of her little ones the transforming principles of
the kingdom of God.
THINK IT THROUGH Which kind of leaven am I choosing to place in my life?
Do I trust the transforming power of the invisible grace
of God in my life? Am I worried about how my children
are going to develop without making certain that the
true leaven is kneaded in?
"In the Saviour's parable, leaven is
used to represent the kingdom of
heaven. It illustrates the quickening,
assimilating power of the grace of
God." "The leaven hidden in the flour
works invisibly to bring the whole mass
under its leavening process; so the
leaven of truth works secretly, silently,
steadily, to transform the soul. The
natural inclinations are softened and
subdued. New thoughts, new feelings,
new motives, are implanted. A new
standard of character is set up—the
life of Christ. The mind is changed; the
faculties are roused to action in new
lines."—"Christ's Object Lessons," pages
96, 98, 99.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 95-102 (1923 ed.,
pages 93-99).
31
People Can Change
LESSON 4
111 Tuesday
Part 3
WHAT COUNTS
IS GROWTH
Mark 4:26, 27
THINK IT THROUGH
"And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man
should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and
rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow
up, he knoweth not how."
In this parable (unique in Mark) Jesus stresses the truth
that the man who sows the seed may not know the processes
by which it develops. Who is the "man," ignorant of the power
of growth and indifferent to the development of the seed? Is
he the same as the Harvester at the end of the story—Jesus?
Is Christ trying to show that there are things that He does
not know or is not overly concerned with, trusting all to His
heavenly Father?
While the farmer goes about his other necessary daily activ-
ities, the seed he has sown fulfills its function. He can do little
about it; "the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself" ("herself"
in Mark 4:28 is from the Greek root for "automatic"). This is
a comforting thought both for our own growth and for our
confidence in the mental and spiritual development of those
for whom we work. God has designed that the soil shall change
the seed. The missionaries, the teachers, the parents, who im-
plant the seed of righteousness in the fertile soil of the minds
of those with whom they have to do can take both courage and
warning from this.
This parable also has a personal message for us as individ-
ual disciples. Christ's responsibility is at the beginning, to sow
seed; and at the end, to reap the harvest. In between the soil
causes change. We accept the seed of the Word into our own
souls. With our eyes fixed on the Ideal, we may sometimes
wonder whether we shall ever be able to grow like Him. This
parable of the silent seed assures us that the transforming Word
will carry out God's design in our lives so long as we ra it do
its natural work.
After I have accepted the right principles of the kingdom,
do I worry unnecessarily about every little detail of my
spiritual progress, or do I leave it, as the husbandman
leaves the implanted seed, to develop under the Spirit's
care? See 1 Peter 5:7.
"The parable of the seed reveals
that God is at work in nature. The seed
has in itself a germinating principle, a
principle that God Himself has im-
planted; yet if left to itself the seed
would have no power to spring up.
Man has his part to act in promoting
the growth of the grain. He must pre-
pare and enrich the soil and cast in the
seed. He must till the fields. But there
is a point beyond which he can accom-
plish nothing. No strength or wisdom
32
of man can bring forth from the seed
the living plant. Let man put forth his
efforts to the utmost limit, he must still
depend upon One who has connected
the sowing and the reaping by won-
derful links of His own omnipotent
power."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"
page 63.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 62-69 (1923 ed., pages
61-67); "Education," pages 104-106.
People Can Change
LESSON 4
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"And great multitudes were gathered together unto
THE LAVISH SOWER Him, so that He went into a ship, and sat; and the whole
multitude stood on the shore. And He spoke many things
unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth
Matt. 13:2, 3 to sow."
The sower left his home to do his work. What did Jesus
leave to come to the world—"the field"—to cast abroad the
seeds of truth? Christ's expression does not indicate that the
sower put delicate plants one by one in a hothouse, but that
He cast abroad the seed so as to cover every spot. This truth
of generous sowing is emphasized in the Scriptures. See 2 Cor.
9:6; Prov. 11:24-26. To whom are the illuminating principles
of the Word to be given? John 1:9.
"For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might
have mercy upon all." Rom. 11:32. The Husbandman scatters
the gospel seed across all the areas of the field, that is, the
world. The sower may also represent the evangelist. The "sower"
is representative of all who scatter the seed of truth so as to
leave no part of the field unworked.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I doing my work as a sower in the portion of the field
in which Christ has placed me? Does Paul have anything
to say to me in Gal. 6:7, 8?
"Christ had come, not as a king, but
as a sower; not for the overthrow of
kingdoms, but for the scattering of
seed; not to point His followers to
earthly triumphs and national great-
ness, but to a harvest to be gathered
after patient toil and through losses
and disappointments."—"Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons," page 35.
"'The sower went forth to sow'
(R.V.). In the East the state of affairs
was so unsettled, and there was so
great danger from violence that the
people dwelt chiefly in walled towns,
and the husbandmen went forth daily
to their labor outside the walls. So
Christ, the heavenly Sower, went forth
to sow. He left His home of security
and peace, left the glory that He had
with the Father before the world was,
left His position upon the throne of the
universe. He went forth, a suffering,
tempted man
;
went forth in solitude, to
sow in tears, to water with His blood,
the seed of life for a world lost.
"His servants in like manner must
go forth to sow. . . . Those who are'
called to unite with Christ must leave
all, in order to follow Him. Old asso-
ciations must be broken up, plans of
life relinquished, earthly hopes surren-
dered. In toil and tears, in solitude, and
through sacrifice, must The seed be
sown."—"Ibid.," pp. 36, 37.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 33-43 (1923 ed., pages
27-37).
33
People Can Change
LESSON 4
Thursday
Part 5
"And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it
OF SEEDS AND was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
SOILS And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung
up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And
some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with
Luke 8:5-7 it, and choked it."
How did Jesus explain the meaning of the types of soil?
Luke 8:12-15.
"The seed sown by the wayside represents the word of God
as it falls upon the heart of an inattentive hearer. Like the
hard-beaten path, trodden down by the feet of men and beasts,
is the heart that becomes a highway for the world's traffic, its
pleasures and
sins."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 44.
What hardens the heart to resist the seed's penetration? Heb.
3:13. Are you allowing this to happen to you? What crushes
the seed as it is trodden down? Why did Christ remark that
this kind represents those who do not understand? Matt. 13:19.
Does this type of man sense his danger? How quickly does the
evil one remove the seed? Mark 4:15. What is represented by
"fowls"? Luke 8:12, "the devil"; Mark 4:15, "Satan"; Matt.
13:19, "the wicked one."
"Many who make a profession of religion are stony-ground
hearers. Like the rock underlying the layer of earth, the selfish-
ness of the natural heart underlies the soil of their good desires
and aspirations. The love of self is not subdued. They have not
seen the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the heart has not been
humbled under a sense of its guilt. This class may be easily
convinced, and appear to be bright converts, but they have only
a superficial religion."—Ibid., p. 46.
Thorns are the work of Satan. "He [God] never made a
thorn, a thistle, or a tare. These are Satan's work, the result
of degeneration, introduced by him among the precious things."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 186. So in our lives criticism may take
the place of good judgment; lust, the place of true love.
THINK IT THROUGH What things does Christ specifically mention as choking
the seed? Is the soil of• my heart unprepared by wrong
habits for the sowing of the good seed of the gospel? Am
I seeking to get rid of "stones"? Are there the roots of
noxious weeds in the recesses of my life which are ready
to spring up and strangle my Christian growth?
"Throughout the parable of the
sower, Christ represents the different
results of the sowing as depending
upon the soil. In every case the sower
and the seed are the same. Thus He
teaches that if the Word of God fails
of accomplishing its work in our hearts
and lives, the reason is to be found in
ourselves. But the result is not beyond .
34
our control. True, we cannot change
ourselves; but the power of choice is
ours, and it rests with us to determine
what we will become."—"Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons," page 56.
For deeper study: "Christ's
Object
Lessons," pages 43-56 (1923 ed., pages
37-53).
People Can Change
LESSON 4
Friday
Part 6
FERTILE SOIL
Luke 8:8, 15
"And other fell on good ground, and sprang up; and
bare fruit an hundredfold." "But that on the good ground
are they, which in an honest and good heart, having
heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with pa-
tience."
Much of the seed that came from the sower's hand had been
wasted. But now the story turns to seed that fell on good
ground. How do the three verbs in Christ's explanation fit into
your heart when you hear "truth"? Luke 8:15. What is "an
honest and .good heart"? Is the heart "good" before it hears
the Word? See John 8:47; 18:37. "He has an honest heart who
yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his
guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of
—
6
-
6
-
cl.
—
Ri has
a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey R."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 58.
Were Levi Matthew and Zacchaeus "good and honest"?.or
Nathanael? John 1:47. Does this type of hearer picture you?
1 Thess. 2:13. "The good-ground hearers, having heard the
word, keep it. Satan with all his agencies of evil is not able to
catch it
away."—Ibid.,
p. 59.
What results may we expect when the gospel seed falls into
this kind of heart-soil? "The Word of God, received into the
soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in
a Christlike character."—Ibid., p. 60. What accompanies his
succesiffirbearing of fruit? "And he brings forth fruit 'with
patience.' None who receive God's Word are exempt from diffi-
culty and trial; but when affliction comes, the true Christian
does not become restless, distrustful, or despondent. Though we
cannot see the definite outcome of affairs, or discern the purpose
of God's providences, we are not to cast away our confidence.
Remembering the tender mercies of the Lord, we should cast
our care upon Him, and with patience wait for His salvation."
—Ibid.,
pp. 60, 61. What is our responsibility in this matter?
Jer. 4:3 ; Hos. 10:12.
THINK IT THROUGH What am I doing to break up the fallow ground of my
heart so that the seed of the gospel can develop within
me to the bringing forth of fruit? Am I' allowing the
Divine Gardener to remove the weeds and the stones?
Am I turning my thoughts from my business to His busi-
ness?
"The good-ground hearer receives
the Word 'not as the word of men, but
as it is in truth, the Word of God.'
1 Thess. 2:13. Only he who receives the
Scriptures as the voice of God speaking
to himself is a true learner. He trem-
bles at the Word; for to him it is a
living reality. He opens his understand-
ing and his heart to receive it."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," page 59.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 56-61 (1923 ed., pages
53-59).
35
People Can Change
LESSON 4
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1. Which plant does Christ use as an illustration of the growth of the king-
dom of heaven? Mustard, lily, anise
2. Which common household commodity did Jesus cite as an illustration of
the development of grace in the MO
3. Complete this sentence : "So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should
cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the
seed should spring and grow up, he
)1
4. What is represented by the sower going forth to sow?
5. Match these four types of soil with the kinds of hearts they represent:
1.
wayside ( )
2.
stony ground ( )
3.
thorny ground ( )
4.
good soil ( )
a.
b.
c.
d.
a heart prepared
a heart that makes a profession but is
selfish
the inattentive hearer
a heart in which old habits of life are
left to choke the seed
6. How liberally does the seed sown in good ground bring forth
ANSWERS:
•
Nopaiputui try .9 •(e)I, `(p)E '(q)3 `(o)/ *9 .ppom
o4 uollen
Supq
atuot/ iquaAuati sal 2ulnuai Isgqo
.M011
40U
zIlamoux .3 •tionval .3 pielsnim •I
36
LESSON 5
May 2
GIVE A MAN A CHANCE!
5
"And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee
what thou must do." Acts 9:6.
We often hear remarks to the effect that
some people never have a chance to make
anything of themselves. It is said that they
are born into poverty and ignorance and
grow up among associates who have no
more ambition than they; hence these
individuals never improve themselves and
drift from bad to worse. The Bible no-
where subscribes to this picture of man's
state and potential. The grace of the Lord
Jesus Christ is pervasive and powerful
enough to transform any life and to lead
to ultimate complete victory.
In His parables Christ highlighted some
of these questions which have plagued
minds that refused to look at things from
the viewpoint of God's eternal purposes
for fallen humanity. In the parables we are
to study this week, eternal truth is em-
bedded in perennial circumstances and un-
folding episodes. Let us study them from
the perspective of our title, "Give a Man
a Chance!" We shall see that the major
roadblock to a full and rich life is man
himself.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Everyone Gets a Break
Matt. 20:1, 2
2.
Same Pay for Each
Matt. 20:8-16
3.
Settle Out of Court
Matt. 5:25, 26
4.
Nothing Could Be Better
Matt. 21:33
5.
Greedy Tenants
Matt. 21:34-39
6.
What Will Be the Payoff?
Matt. 21:40-43
37
Give a Man a Chance!
LESSON 5
❑
Sunday
Part 1
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is
EVERYONE GETS an householder, which went out early in the morning to
A BREAK hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed
with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into
Matt. 20:1, 2 his vineyard."
This parable was preceded by the incident of the young
ruler who approached the Master Teacher asking what good
thing he should
do
to have eternal life. Then came Peter's ques-
tion, "What shall we have therefore?" Matt. 19:27-30.
In
an-
swer to this question Christ showed the part played 'by grace
in the Christian life. Who does the "householder" represent?
John 15:16; Mark 3:13. What is his "vineyard"? Who are in-
cluded in the "laborers"? What is the "marketplace"?
All are
called
by the Master to work. They do not ask for
work. What covenant did the owner of the vineyard make when
he hired the laborers early in the morning? What is suggested
by the "early morning" of life? When the householder called
others at the third hour, what promises of reward did he make
to them? Matt. 20:3, 4. As he still needed help later in the
day, what did he do? Matt. 20:5-7.
What is meant by the "penny"? It was a liberal day's wage
and the daily pay for a Roman soldier. Did those in each group
"earn" their wages? To whom was it a gift? Rom. 6:23.
Do you think that all our activity, separated from Christ's
purpose in our lives, is "standing idle in the marketplace"?
What is the significance of the phrase "no man hath hired us"?
Where were they on the previous expeditions of the house-
holder to find laborers? On what basis does Christ reward those
who work for Him? Titus 3:5. How generous is He in His
rewards? Eph. 3:20.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I always comparing the rewards which come to me
in life with those of others? Am I tempted to indulge in
self-pity? Do I murmur against the "injustices" of life and
reproach God?
"The householder's dealing with the
workers in his vineyard represents
God's dealing with the human family.
It is contrary to the customs that pre-
vail among men. In worldly business,
compensation is given according to the
work accomplished. The laborer expects
to be paid only that which he earns.
But in the parable, Christ was illustrat-
38
ing the principles of His kingdom—a
kingdom not of this world. He is not
controlled by any human standard."
—"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 396,
397.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 396-399 (1923 ed.,
402-406).
Give a Man a Chance!
LESSON 5
❑
Monday
Part 2
"So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard
SAME PAY FOR saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them
- EACH their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And
when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour,
they received every man a penny. But when the first came,
they supposed that they should have received more; and
they likewise received every man a penny. And when
they had received it, they murmured against the goodman
of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one
hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which
have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he an-
swered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong:
didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that
thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even
as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with
mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the
last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called,
Matt. 20:8-16 but few chosen."
Do the laborers first called into service represent the Jewish
nation? Had they any just cause for complaint when the Gen-
tiles were called into the fold? They had been given what they
had agreed to work for. The cause of their grievance lay in
themselves—in their jealousy of those who worked but one
hour and received a full day's wages.
Did they exhibit the spirit of a hireling? "The Lord desires
us to rest in Him without a question as to our measure of re-
ward. When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of reward
is not uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our
service."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 398.
Upon what does God measure our service? Do the mur-
murers remind us of the prodigal's brother? Did they murmur
at how much the eleventh-hour servants received or because
they themselves did not get more?
THINK IT THROUGH What is my motive in serving the Lord? Do I work because
of my love for Him and my desire to see His work fin-
ished? Am I guilty of comparing what I have with what
others appear to have?
"Not the amount of labor performed
or its visible results but the spirit in
which the work is done makes it of
value with God. Those who came into
the vineyard at the eleventh hour were
thankful for an opportunity to work.
Their hearts were full of gratitude to
the one who had accepted them; and
when at the close of the day the house-
holder paid them for a full day's work,
they were greatly surprised. They knew
they had not earned such wages. And
the kindness expressed in the counte-
nance of their employer filled them
with joy. They never forgot the good-
ness of the householder or the generous
compensation they had received. Thus
it is with the sinner who, knowing his
unworthiness, has entered the Master's
vineyard at the eleventh hour."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 397,
398.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 399-404 (1923 ed.,
pages 406-413).
39
Give a Man a Chance!
LESSON 5
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art
SETTLE OUT OF in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary de-
COURT liver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the
officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto
thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou
Matt. 5:25, 26 host paid the uttermost farthing."
This is one of the most complex of Christ's parables. It has
at least two meanings. Its obvious import lies on the surface.
Settle difficulties out of court! Our Lord emphasizes that there
is an opportune time for this which should be seized.
Christ's parables reveal spiritual truths, and this parable
certainly does. Life is a "walk to the Judge with an adversary
by our side." What a picture! Does Satan accompany us to the
judgment? See Zech. 3:1-4; Rev. 12:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8.
Phillips's New Testament in Modern English and the New
English Bible render "agree" by the words "come to terms."
How did Jesus "come to terms" with His adversary in the
wilderness? Or did He? Matt. 4:10, 11. What are we admon-
ished to do? James 4:7; Eph. 6:13-16. What assurance does
our Saviour give us? John 16:33. Upon what "terms" only can
we live through our earthly lives with any hope of being ac-
quitted during the judgment?
Who is to be our judge? John 5:22. Who do you think
Christ refers to as "officer," or literally, "under rower," regu-
lated by the master of the ship? In the "harvest" who takes
care of the separations? Matt.13:30; 39. What is meant by
"the prison"? Isa. 61:1, last part; Ps. 142:7. What was Christ's
ministry to include? Isa. 42:6, 7.
THINK IT THROUGH What am I doing day by day to ensure acquittal in the
judgment? Who is my Advocate? 1 John 2:1. My Judge?
John 5:22. My Witness? Rev. 3:14. Would the prisoner
ever be able to pay his debts?
"It is true, many an ordinary debtor
who has been thrown into prison has
somehow managed to pay his debt.
. . . But this possibility pertains only
to the figurative language of Jesus. It
presents no possibility for a sinner
40
after death and judgment because the
Scriptures know of no such possibility.
... The only answer the Scriptures give
is: 'Payment there is impossible.'"---
R. C. H. Lenski, "The Interpretation of
St. Matthew's Gospel," page 225.
Give a Man a Chance!
LESSON 5
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
NOTHING COULD
BE BETTER
Matt. 21:33
"Hear another parable: There was a certain house-
holder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round
about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower,
and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far
country."
Read also Luke 20:9-19.
The Jews were familiar with Isaiah's touching parable of the
vineyard and the Lord's care for it. Isa. 5:1-7. The householder
planted
the vineyard. Ex. 15:17; Ps. 44:2. The "hedge" set
around it represents the law that keeps evil out and righteous-
ness safe within. The "tower" portrays the sanctuary or tem-
ple—a place where the lookout watched and also a place for
the defense of God's people. See Hab. 2:1. Read the introduc-
tion to
Prophets and Kings.
The vineyard was rented out to "husbandmen." Did it ever
belong to them?
What more could be done? the Lord asks. Isa. 5:4. Can you
think of anything? What a chance man has! God has done
everything possible for His servants that they may fulfill His
plans for them. See Ps. 84:11. God's leaving His vineyard to
His husbandmen demonstrates His patience.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I ever tally up all that God has done for the best
development of my character? Can I suggest to my heav-
enly Father any good thing He has withheld from me?
Has God been patient with my weakness?
"The parable of the two sons was
followed by the parable of the vine-
yard. In the one, Christ had set before
the Jewish teachers the importance of
obedience. In the other, He pointed to
the rich blessings bestowed upon Israel,
and in these showed God's claim to
their obedience. He set before them
the glory of God's purpose, which
through obedience they might have ful-
filled. Withdrawing the veil from the
future, He showed how, by failure to
fulfill His purpose, the whole nation
was forfeiting His blessing, and bring-
ing ruin upon itself."—"Christ's Object
Lessons," page 284.
"God had chosen a people from the
world to be trained and educated by
Christ. The prophet says, 'The vineyard
of the Lord of hosts is the house of
Israel, and the men of Judah His pleas-
ant plant.' Isa. 5:7. Upon this people
God had bestowed great privileges,
blessing them richly from His abundant
goodness. He looked for them to honor
Him by yielding fruit. They were to re-
veal the principles of His kingdom. In
the midst of a fallen, wicked world
they were to represent the character of
God."—"Ibid.," p. 285.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 284-292 (1923 ed.,
pages 287-295).
41
Give a Man a Chance!
LESSON 5
❑
Thursday
Part 5
"And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent
GREEDY TENANTS his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive
the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants,
and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and
they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto
them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But
when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among
themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and
let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and
Matt. 21:34-39 cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him."
What is meant by the "time of the fruit"? "Fruit" represents
both character development and souls saved for the kingdom.
The fruit of the Spirit must be seen in the life. Gal.
5:22, 23.
Who were the "servants" sent by the owner of the
vineyard? See Heb. 1:1, 2; Jer. 44:4. They would include
prophets, judges, kings, and leaders in Old Testament times.
Who are they today? How were these messengers from God
treated? What details do Luke and Mark add to Matthew's
account? See Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16. Note Mark's terms
"wounded in the head," and "shamefully handled." Can you
think of Old Testament examples of this? See Jer. 20:1, 2; 37:
15; 1 Kings 18:13. And in the New Testament? See Acts 7:52;
1 Thess. 2:15. Compare Heb. 11:37, 38.
How do you regard those who would help you to present
good fruit for your Master? Has this response been found true
in each era of God's church?
Finally, whom did God send? See Mark 12:6; John 5:18.
Did the husbandmen recognize the position of this Messenger?
Compare Heb. 1:2. Does the parable accurately portray what
happened to the Son when He was sent to the vineyard? Com-
pare John 11:47-53. What is the significance of the fact that
Jesus was slain, "cast out of the
vineyard"?
Heb. 13:12, 13.
How was the husbandmen's plot carried out? What is signified
by their throwing Him
outside
of the vineyard?
THINK IT THROUGH We are horrified in this story at the manner in which the
servants and the son were treated by the husbandmen.
But am I by my attitude and actions giving the same
treatment to His messengers and to Him?
"The Jewish rulers did not love God;
therefore they cut themselves away
from Him, and rejected all His over-
tures for a just settlement. Christ, the
Beloved of God, came to assert the
claims of the Owner of the vineyard;
but the husbandmen treated Him with
marked contempt, saying, We will not
have this man to rule over us. . .
"Thus the Jewish leaders made their
42
choice. Their decision was registered in
the book which John saw in the hand
of Him that sat upon the throne, the
book which no man could open."—
."Christ's Object Lessons," pages 293,
294.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 292-304 (1923 ed.,
pages 295-308).
Give a Man a Chance!
LESSON 5
❑
Friday
Part 6
"When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what
WHAT WILL BE will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him,
THE PAYOFF? He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will
let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall
render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus saith unto
them, Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone
which the builders rejected, the same is become the head
of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous
in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of
God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation
Matt. 21:40-43 bringing forth the fruits thereof."
What application can be made of the expression "when the
Lord . . . cometh," individually, nationally to the Jews, and
at the end of the world? The priests had been listening so in-
tently to the story that they did not immediately grasp its full
application. In reply to Christ's question, what sentence did they
pass on the wicked husbandmen? "Unwittingly they had pro-
nounced their own
doom."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 295.
The kingdom was indeed taken from the Jews and given to
those who should bring forth its fruit—the Christians. The
prophecy of the Jewish leaders came to pass exactly! See Gal.
3:9, 29 for the role of the church.
In
The Desire of Ages,
pages 597, 598, we are told the story
of the rejected stone: "When the temple of Solomon was
erected, the immense stones for the walls and the foundation
were entirely prepared at the quarry; after they were brought
to the place of building, not an instrument was to be used
upon them; the workmen had only to place them in position.
For use in the foundation, one stone of unusual size and pecu-
liar shape had been brought; but the workmen could find no
place for it, and would not accept it. It was an annc yance to
them as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a rejected
stone. But when the builders came to the laying of the corner,
they searched for a long time to find a stone of sufficient size
and strength, and of the proper shape, to take that particular
place, and bear the great weight which would rest upon it.
. . . The builders examined this stone. It had borne every test
but one. If it could bear the test of severe pressure, they de-
cided to accept it for the cornerstone. The trial was made. The
stone was accepted, brought to its assigned position, and found
to be an exact fit. In prophetic vision, Isaiah was shown that
this stone was a symbol of Christ."
THINK IT THROUGH Have I ever brushed aside Christ's will for me because
it was apposed to my desires, only to find later that He
was the answer to my problems? What should I do to
ensure that my spiritual eyesight is clear and discerning?
Rev. 3:18 (last part); 2 Peter 1:9.
"The parable of the vineyard applies great privileges and blessings, and
not alone to the Jewish nation. It has
He expects corresponding returns."—
a lesson for us. The church in this gen- "Christ's Object Lessons," page 296.
eration has been endowed by God with
43
Give a Man a Chance!
LESSON 5
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
What did the householder promise those he called to work in his vineyard
at the third, the sixth, the ninth, and the eleventh hours?
2.
Delete the incorrect phrases of the ones in parentheses in this sentence.
The laborers called (first, at the third hour, at the sixth hour, at the ninth
hour, at the eleventh hour) were the ones who were satisfied with their wages.
3.
Which parable taught that it is never wise to procrastinate in making
things right?
4. In the parable of the vineyard match these with what they represent:
1.
the vineyard ( )
a.
God
2.
the householder ( )
b.
the temple
3.
the hedge ( )
c.
the church
4.
the tower ( )
d.
the law
5.
Who were represented in the parable by the servants?
By the son?
6.
What does the owner of the vineyard do to his faithless servants?
ANSWERS:
mrayl Aoa;saa g •;sago ‘sptidoid
*g
•(q)b
'(p)g '(u)z .(3)T
•6aesaanpe aq4
qwe
Ilupeav
„•;say„ apiea •Z
sem ienaos3eIIM •I
44
LESSON 6
May 9
SATAN'S STRATAGEMS
"Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My
disciple." Luke 14:33.
In every war resourceful men devise
many sinister tricks to destroy the enemy.
They set up booby traps in the most un-
expected places. When an unthinking soldier
touches some part of one of these, he sets
off an explosion that kills him and those
near him. Retreating soldiers attach lethal
devices to items which are designed to
arouse the curiosity or cupidity of those
who follow. Valuable binoculars, pistols,
water bottles, and other articles are fixed
as alluring bait. As soon as a foolish soldier
picks up one of these, he is blown to pieces.
By his training and desire for self-preser-
vation the soldier should have been on the
alert for these booby traps.
Satan employs ten thousand other strate-
gems in most cunning deceptions. In the
parables that we shall study this week our
Lord calls attention to some of the knavery
against which we should be continually on
the alert.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Fields of Paradise
Matt. 13:24
2.
While Men Slept
Matt. 13:25
3.
Counterfeit Grain
Mal. 3:18
4.
Devils Love a Vacuum
Matt. 12:43-45
5.
Gauging the Enemy
Luke 14:31-33
6.
Two Champions War
Luke 11:21-23
45
Satan's Stratagems
LESSON 6
0
Sunday
Part 1
"Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The
FIELDS OF PARADISE kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed
Matt. 13:24 good seed in his field."
Whom does the sower represent? Matt. 13:37. What is the
significance of this appellation? The seed that God sowed is the
only perfect seed. When Christ created the world, what was
His estimate of all He had made? Gen. 1:31. "Before the en-
trance of evil there was peace and joy throughout the universe.
All was perfect harmony with the Creator's will. Love for God
was supreme, love for one another impartial."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 493.
The field was ruined by an enemy's oversowing it with tares.
What is represented originally by the "field" and the "good
seed"? After sin entered the world, where did the Lord obtain
further good seed? Now "the good seed represents those who
are born of the word of God, the
truth."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
pages 70, 71. See Matt. 13:38. "The field,' Christ
said, 'is the world.' But we must understand this as signifying
the church of Christ in the world. The parable is a description
of that which pertains to the kingdom of God, His work of
salvation of men; and this work is accomplished through the
church."—Ibid., p. 70.
In our present circumstances in the world, who or what are
represented by the sower? the seed? (consider James 1:18;
1 Peter 1:23) the field? Satan traps us into thinking tares are
wheat!
THINK IT THROUGH Does a perfect environment guarantee freedom from sin
and temptation? Could God have done more to improve
the conditions in His field? See Isa. 5:4.
"We have each of us an individual
work to do, to gird up the loins of our
minds, to be sober, to watch unto
prayer. The mind must be firmly con-
trolled
—
to dwell upon subjects that will
strengthen the moral powers. . . . The
thoughts must be pure, the meditations
of the heart must be clean, if the words
of the mouth are to be words accept-
able to Heaven and helpful to your
associates.
"The mind should be guarded care-
fully. Nothing should be allowed to
46
enter that will harm or destroy its
healthy vigor. But to prevent this, it
should be preoccupied with good seed,
which, springing to life, will bring
forth fruit-bearing branches. . . . A
field left uncultivated speedily produces
a rank growth of thistles and tangled
vines, which exhaust the soil and are
worthless to the owner."—"My Life To-
day," page 83.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," page 70 (1923 ed., pages
69, 70).
Satan's Stratagems
LESSON 6
0
Monday
Part 2
"But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed
WHILE MEN SLEPT tares among the wheat, and went his way."
Matt. 13:25
When did the enemy do his evil work in the field? Matt.
13:25, first part. He is called "The wicked one." Whose enemy
is he?
Today the devil takes advantage of every opportunity to
catch men off guard. Eve was off guard—spiritually asleep—
when she wandered from Adam's side and was tempted by the
devil in Eden. Her statement to God (Gen. 3:13) literally
means "The serpent caused me to forget."
In another illustration Jesus said, "Know this, that if the
goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief
would come, he would have watched, and would not have suf-
fered his house to be broken up." Matt. 24:43. What are some
of the symptoms of spiritual sleep? Lack of prayer and Bible
_study,,lack of self-examination, lack of
one's faith With
others, absorption in things of the world—social, business,
material things. Can
—
Foi
l
-
Aftei
7
Sitin had done his foul business, what is said of him?
Was his work immediately apparent? Satan traps us into a com-
placent lack of vigilance.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I allowing myself to be lulled into spiritual sleep by
worldly interests? What was one of the problems of the
foolish virgins?
"Satan is making earnest, persever-
ing efforts to corrupt the mind and
debase the character of every young
person; and shall we who have more
experience stand as mere spectators,
and see him accomplish his purpose
without hindrance? Let us stand at our
post as minutemen, to work for these
youth, and through the help of God
hold them back from the pit of destruc-
tion. In the parable, while men slept,
the enemy sowed tares; and while you,
my brethren and sisters, are uncon-
scious of his work, he is gathering an
army of youth under his banner; and
he exults, for through them he carries
on his warfare against God."—"Fun-
damentals of Christian Education,"
page 90.
For deeper study: "Testimonies,"
Vol. 2, p. 205.
47
Satan's Stratagems
LESSON 6
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
COUNTERFEIT
GRAIN
Mal. 3:18
"Then shall ye return, and discern between the righ-
teous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and-
him that serveth Him not."
Read the rest of the parable of the tares—Matt. 13:
26-30.
What
custom helped Christ's hearers in the understanding
of this parable? "In the East, men sometimes took revenge
upon an enemy by strewing his newly sown fields with the
seeds of some noxious weed that, while growing, closely resem-
bled wheat. Springing up with the wheat, it injured the crop
and brought trouble and loss to the owner of the field."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 71.
What were the first evidences that something was amiss? By
what may we recognize evil? Matt. 7:20. Who are represented
by the "tares"? "The tares represent a class who are the fruit
or embodiment of error, of false principles."—Ibid., p. 71.
Some Bible versions use the word "darnel" instead of "tares."
Darnel is a weed which until ripe resembles wheat. Can the
question of the origin of evil receive a more explicit answer
than Christ gave? Matt. 13:28, first part.
What course of action was recommended by the owner's
servants? Compare Luke 9:54. Why did the owner of the field
decide not to do as they suggested? Matt. 13:29. How does
his statement foreshadow what will occur at the end of time?
Matt. 13:30.
What is the difference between "the servants" and "the
reapers"? "I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying
angel, 'Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel
that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind,
the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross
the whole mind, the whole attention.'
"—Early Writings,
page
118.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I show impatience when the "tares" (in the church)
are not cleaned out immediately, or do I patiently wait
for the heavenly Owner to do the work of separation in
His own time? Who will finally separate the good and
bad?
"Do not forcibly pull up the tares,
lest in rooting them up the precious
blades will become loosened. Both
ministers and church members should
be very cautious, lest they get a zeal
not according to knowledge. There is
danger of doing too much to cure diffi-
culties in the church, which if let alone,
will frequently work their own cure.
It is bad policy to take hold of matters
48
in any church prematurely. We shall
have to exercise the greatest care,
patience, and self-control to bear these
things and not go to work in our own
spirit to set them in order."—"Testi-
monies," Vol. 3, pp. 113, 114.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 70-75 (1923 ed., pages
70-73).
Satan's Stratagems
LESSON 6
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he
DEVILS LOVE A walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth
VACUUM none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from
whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it
empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh
with himself seven other spirits more wicked than him-
self, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state
of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be
Matt. 12:43-45 also unto this wicked generation."
This parable is a warning to those who seem impressed with
the message of the gospel but who do not give themselves up
entirely to the control of the Holy Spirit. After their conversion
their lives and minds are empty
-
of heavenly principles. With
what was the mind decorated? An unoccupied house is in dan-
ger. It invites burglars. Vandals may break in and wreak havoc.
So with the one whose heart is empty of the influences of righ-
teousness.
"Christ shows that there can be no such thing as neutrality
in His service. The soul must not be satisfied with anything
short of entire consecration—consecration of thought, voice,
spirit, and every organ of mind and body. It is not enough that
the vessel be emptied: it must be filled with the grace of Christ."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5,
p. 1093.
With his defenses down, the last state of the man in this
parable was worse than the first. He then allowed every kind
of evil to control him. So today we see those who have at first
seemed favorable to the gospel turn back to become worse
than they were before they saw the light of the truth.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I allowing the Spirit of God to occupy my life, or is
my mind a dangerously empty house? With what should
I seek to fill my mind? Can a rich and full mind ever be
the result of cheap reading and entertainment and
empty talk?
"There were many in Christ's day, as
there are today, over whom the control
of Satan for the time seemed broken;
through the grace of God they were set
free from the evil spirits that had held
dominion over the soul. They rejoiced
in the love of God; but, like the stony-
ground hearers of the parable, they
did not abide in His love. They did not
surrender themselves to God daily, that
Christ might dwell in the heart; and
when the evil spirit returned, with
'seven other spirits more wicked than
himself,' they were wholly dominated
by the power of evil."—"The Desire of
Ages," pages 323, 324.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," pages 323, 324.
49
Satan's Stratagems
LESSON 6
❑
Thursday
Part 5
"Or what king, gOing to make war against -another
GAUGING THE king, sittetItnot down first, and consulteth whether he--be
ENEMY able with -ten thousandlo meet him that cometh against
him with twenty thousand?'Or else, while the other is yet
a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth
conditions-of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you
that forsaketh not all that he -hath, he cannot be My
Luke.14:31-33 disciple."
Like the parable of the man who builds a tower, the parable
of the king who went to war against another king teaches us
the-need to count the cost before embarking on any enterprise.
The king takes counsel with others and carefully assesses the
strength of his resources before setting out to meet his enemy.
Life is a battle. Who_are the adversaries we have to meet?
Do we have any assurance that we can overcome? Diverting
our attention from making necessary preparation'to meet the
enemy is one of Satan's stratagems.
Is. Satan now a defeated foe? See Rev. 12:10. Do,we join
forces with the King of all, or with the""prince of this world"
who comes against Him?
THINK IT THROUGH -Are -there any valid reasons why I do -not employ the-
help God gives to .me? Are complacency, procrastination,
or carelessness my downfall?
"To
us as well as to the disciples,
Christ has given -the work of-carrying
the truth to the world. But -before •en-
gaging in
-
this great and aggressive
warfare, upon which eternal results
depend, Christ invites all -to count the•
cost. He assures them that if they take
hold of the work with -undivided hearts,
giving
-
themselves as light bearers to
50
the world, if they Will-take hold of His-
strength, they will make peace with
Him, and obtain supernatural assist-
- ante that will enable them in their
weakness to do the deeds of Omnipo-
-tence."—Ellen G. White. Comments, "SDA
Bible Commentary," Vol. 5, p.. 1121.
For deeper study: "Testimonies," Vol.
5, p. 83.
Satan's Stratagems-
LESSON 6
❑
Friday
Pa
rt 6
"When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his
TWO CHAMPIONS goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall
WAR
come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him
all his armor wherein he trusted, and
-
divideth his spoils.
He that is not with Me is against Me: and he that gather-
Luke 11':21-23 eth not with Me scattereth."
Read also Luke 11:17-20.
This parable is about two champions, a strong man and•a
stronger man. In the spiritual picture presented in the Bible,
power to resist our foe results from:
1.
Wearing the- whole armor of God. Eph. 6:11-18.
2.
Obeying the Captain of our salvation.
3.
Fighting to the end. 2 Tim. 4:7, 8; Rev. 2:10, last part.
This strong man appeared to have all these -qualities. He
was also "armed." From the very beginning there is in this-
"war" a king leader. Rev. 12:7. He has his own weapons. But
lack of accurate appraisal of the enemy, failure to rely on the•
General of God's army, always leads to defeat.
Leading a man to trust in himself is another of Satan's
devious methods. How does this take from us all our armor?
In what ways does Samson illustrate this perennial truth?
Judges 13 to 16. Upon whose side in this great controversy
do the details of my daily life place me—with Christ or among
those who "scatter"? Satan traps us into laying down our
arms and giving up too soon-.
THINK IT THROUGH. Do I keep my spiritual armor• (described by Paul) in good
condition, ready for the assaults of Satan? Am I ever
tempted into self-confidence? What is. the. difference be-
tween presumption and faith?
"It is as true now as when Christ
was upon the earth, that every inroad
made by the gospel upon the enemy's
dominion is met by fierce opposition
from his vast. armies. The conflict that
is right upon us will be the most ter-
rible ever witnessed. But though Satan
is represented as being as strong as the
strong man armed, his overthrow will
be complete, and everyone who unites
with him in choosing apostasy rather
than loyalty will perish with him."—
"Testimonies," Vol. 6, p: 407.
For deeper study: "Messages to
Young People," page 104.
Sr
Satan's Stratagems
LESSON 6
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
What is the field where the sower sows his seed)
2.
Fill in the missing words. "Men ought always to
and not to
1)
3.
Why did the householder not want the tares to be pulled up as soon as they
were detected)
4.
"Satan finds mischief still for idle hands to do." What parable that we have
been studying this week is suggested by this well-known proverb)
5.
Who carefully counted the cost before an important undertaking?
6.
Finish this sentence: The parable of the strong man armed teaches the
necessity of being completely on
ANSWERS:
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52
LESSON 7
May 16
WHAT'S BOTHERING YOU?
7
"For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all
them that call upon Thee." Psalm 86:5.
Among the dangers which beset us in
our relationships with one another and
with God is the tendency to be unkind and
unforgiving. In the parables we shall study
this week, Christ deals with the condition
of man's heart.
In our first parable, a man, after he had
been forgiven his enormous debt, was
neither grateful nor kind. He went and
gave vent to his feelings against one who
had injured him only slightly.
At the feast in his house Simon the sin-
ner blamed Christ for not condemning
Mary the forgiven sinner. Feelings of self-
justification overrode all his feelings of love.
In the story of the two boys, independ-
ence and rebellion were causing their prob-
lems.
The crooked manager looked only to
himself.
As we study these stories we may well
inquire of ourselves, Am I allowing any-
thing to irritate me and destroy my peace
of mind?
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Runaway Debt
Matt. 18:23-27
2.
"As I Have Loved You"
Matt. 18:28-35
3.
What Was Bothering Simon?
Luke 7:36-39
4.
Love Power
Luke 7:40-43
5.
The Easy Yes!
Matt. 21:28-32
6.
The Shark
Luke 16:1-9
53
What's Bothering You?
LESSON 7
❑
Sunday
Part I
"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a
.RUNAWAY DEBT certain king, which would take. account of his servants.
And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto
him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuCh
as he. had -not to pay, his lord commanded him to be
sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and
. payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down,
.and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with
-
me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant
was moved with compassion, and loosed him,
-
and :.for-
Matt. 18:23-27 gave .him the debt."
This parable points to the time and the basis for the settling
of life's accounts. It tells of -debts between master and servant
and between servants. Who is the "king"? What question of
Peter's preceded the telling of this parable? Matt. 18:21. -Why
did he ask it? How often did Jews forgive in Christ's day?
"The rabbis limited the exercise of forgiveness to three offenses.
Peter, carrying out, as he supposed, the teaching of Christ,
thought to extend it to seven, the number signifying perfection."
—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 243.
What was Christ's reply? Matt. 1'8:22. The size of the debt
owed the king was staggering—"about $6,221,880 . . . , though
worth much more in purchasing power."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Matt. 18:24. Christ emphasized that the man could
never repay such a debt. What ..do we owe our Master? Is it
ever possible for us to pay the debt we owe?
The king ordered the man and all he had to be "sold"' to
liquidate his debt. This was according to custom. What did the
debtor do before he begged forgiveness and pleaded for mercy?
What did •he show a willingness to acknowledge and to do?
How freely was he forgiven? What are the most important
requirements made of us in our indebtedness to Christ in order
to gain forgiveness? Who actually pays our debt? Isa. 1:18;
1 .Peter 1:18, 19.
THINK IT THROUGH Can 1 ever .pay.
my debt to God? 'Do I regularly contem-
plate.the kindness of Him who has paid it all?
"The pardon granted by this king
represents
divine forgiveness of all
sin. Christ is represented by the king,
who, moved with compassion, forgave
the debt of his servant. -Man .was under
the condemnation of the broken law.
He could not save himself, and for this
reason Christ came to this world,
clothed -His divinity with humanity, and
gave His life, the just for the unjust.
54
He gave -Himself for aur sins, and to
every soul He freely offers the blood-
bought pardon. 'With the Lord there
is mercy, and with Him is ,plenteous
redemption.' Ps. 130:7."—"Christ's Ob,
ject Lessons," pages 244, 245.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object Les-
sons," pages 243, 244 (1-923 ed.,
same).
What's Bothering You?
LESSON 7
❑
Monday
Part 2
"But the same-servant went-out, and found oneofhis
"AS I HAVE. fellow servants,..which owed him--an hundred pence: and
LOVED YOU" .he laid hands on-him,. and took him by the throat, saying,,
Pay me that thou °west. And his4ellow servant fell down
at his, feet, and besought
-
him; saying, Have patience with
me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went
-Matt: 18:28-30 and cast him into prison, till he should. pay the debt."
Finish reading
-
the parable.—verses 31-35..
This section of the parable covers a debt between one ser-
vant and
-
another. The ratio of the debts is about
-
half a million
to one! The forgiven servant was owed by his fellbw
,
one
,
hun-
dred pence—a sum comparatively small, which he might earn
-in-four months at the rate of "a penny a day." Matt.. 20:2. Did•
the creditor go and look for him?
Notice the rough treatment this servant gave to his debtor.
He-"took him- by the throat:"•This was far rougher treatment
than he himself had received at the hands of his-creditor. The
plea made by his debtor is worded exactly the same as the one
he himself had made to his king. Is it always right to press our
rights? Contrast the attitudes of the- two creditors—the king
and the servant. Why were the other fellow servants "very
sorry"? When they reported the matter, what was the feeling
aroused in the king? Does this have a lesson for us? Was.this
just?
What does Christ teach about
-
forgiveness? Luke 17:3. The
wickedness of the servant is shown by his refusing to be mer-
ciful after he had" received. mercy. James 2:13; 1 John 4:11. So
he is delivered• to the "tormentors." Who or what are these?
Why does the king revoke his previous decision? Ezek. 33:12,
13. Do sins once forgiven return on the sinner?
THINK IT THROUGH- Am I expecting to enjoy the forgiveness of God for my
shortcoming while at the same time I refuse to forgive
those who have wronged me?
"How many are today manifesting
the same spirit. When the debtor
pleaded, with .his lord for mercy, he
had< no true sense of the greatness of
his debt. He did not realize his help-
lessness. _He hoped to deliver himself.
'Have patience with me,' he said, 'and
will pay thee. all.' So there area-many
who hope by their own works to meri-t•
Gad's-favor. They do not.realize their
helplessness. They do not .accept the
grace of God- as a free gift, but are
trying to build themselves up in self-
•
righteousness. Their own hearts are not
broken and humbled on account- of
sin, and they are exacting and unfor-
giving toward others.:'—"Christ!s,Object
Lessons," pages 245-246.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
=lessons," pages 244-251 (1923 ed.,
pages 244,250).
55
What's Bothering You?
LESSON 7
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
WHAT WAS
BOTHERING
SIMON?
Luke 7:36-39
"And one of the Pharisees desired Him that He would
eat with him. And He went into the Pharisee's house, and
sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city,
which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat
in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of oint-
ment, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping, and
began to wash His feet with tears, and did wipe them with
the hairs of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed
them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which
had bidden Him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying,
This Man, if He were a prophet, would have known who
and what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him:
for she is a sinner."
Read also John 12:1-3.
The setting for this parable is the home of Simon the Phari-
see. There was no cordiality in his invitation to Christ. He
deliberately ignored the courtesy of giving his Guest water to
wash His feet! Do you get the impression that it was conde-
scension that led Simon to ask Jesus to his home? He was
certainly patronizing in his attitude to Mary, whom he regarded
as a sinful woman. How did he have such a clear knowledge of
her past? See
The Desire of Ages,
page 566.
Simon's Pharisaic pride was offended by Mary's show of
gratitude and affection. He still had some misgivings about the
identity of Jesus, for he said to himself, "If He were a prophet."
Luke 7:39. What other lessons besides the need for appreciation
and gratitude did our Lord wish to teach as He told the parable
of the two debtors?
THINK IT THROUGH Is my eagerness to pronounce other people sinners caus-
ing me to overlook my own misdeeds? Am I, like Simon,
so ignorant of Christ that
I
judge the real or imagined
misdeeds of others by my own standards?
"By curing Simon of leprosy, Christ
had saved him from a living death.
But now Simon questioned whether the
Saviour were a prophet. Because Christ
allowed this woman to approach Him,
because He did not indignantly spurn
her as one whose sins were too great
to be forgiven, because He did not
show that he realized she had fallen,
Simon was tempted to think that He
was not a prophet. . . .
56
"But it was Simon's ignorance of God
and of Christ that led him to think as
he did. He did not realize that God's
Son must act in God's way, with com-
passion, tenderness, and mercy. Simon's
way was to take no notice of Mary's
penitent service."—"The Desire of
Ages," page 566.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," pages 557-566.
What's Bothering You?
LESSON 7
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have
LOVE POWER somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say
on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors:
the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave
them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him
most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to
whom he forgave most. And He said unto him, Thou
Luke 7:40-43 hast rightly judged."
By this story Christ sought to meet Simon's need for an un-
derstanding of forgiveness. What does His method reveal of
Christ's character? Ps. 18:35. Do we exhibit the same gentle
attitude in dealing with those in need? What was the ratio of
the two debts? Did the difference in the debts make any differ-
ence to the attitude of the creditor? Does God allow any dif-
ference in the "amount" of sins to affect His forgiving us? Is
He as ready to forgive the one who has sinned greatly as the
one who has sinned little? Ps. 103:3. What actually affects His
forgiveness?
"Jesus did not design to teach that different degrees of obli-
gation should be felt by
the
two persons, for each owed a debt
of gratitude that never could be repaid. But Simon felt himself
more righteous than Mary, and Jesus desired him to see how
great his guilt really was. He would show him that his sin was
greater than hers, as much greater as a debt of five hundred
pence exceeds a debt of fifty pence."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 566, 567.
Did Simon get the point of the parable? What was it that
won his heart? "Simon was touched by the kindness of Jesus
in not openly rebuking him before the guests. . . . Stern denun-
ciation would have hardened Simon against repentance, but
patient admonition convinced him of his error. He saw the mag-
nitude of the debt which he owed his Lord. His pride was
humbled, he repented, and the proud Pharisee became a lowly,
self-sacrificing disciple."—/bid., pp. 567, 568.
THINK IT THROUGH How great do I consider my debt to the divine Creator?
Do I ever try to brush it under the rug by calling atten-
tion to the debts of others? In what ways is my Saviour
appealing to me to make all things right?
"Jesus knows the circumstances of
every soul. You may say, I am sinful,
very sinful. You may be; but the worse
you are, the more you need Jesus. He
turns no weeping, contrite one away.
He does not tell to any all that He
might reveal, but He bids every trem-
bling soul take courage. Freely will He
pardon all who come to Him for for-
giveness and restoration."—"The Desire
of Ages," page 568.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," pages 566-568.
57
What's Bothering You?i
LESSON
,
7_
D
Thursday
.
`Part 5
""But.what think ye? A certain man.had twersonsvand
THE' EASY YES! he came to the first; and. said, Son, go work today in my
vineyard. He answered and said, (.will not: but afterward
he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and
.said. likewise. And hw
,
answered and said, I go, sir: and
went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his
father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto
them, Verily I say unto you, That-the publicans
-
and.the
harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John
came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye be-
lieved him not: but the publicans and the harlots be-
lieved him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not
Matt. 21:28-32 afterward, that ye might believe him."
This parable followed the question of the chief priests and'
the scribes concerning the authority by which Christ carried
out His works. It was not evidence of Christ's authority that
they needed—they knew what it was. But they desired a dec-
laration by Jesus Himself that He was the Messiah. With this
they hoped that they would be able to stir up the people and
procure His death. What was the significance of the question
Jesus asked them (Matt. 21:24, 25) concerning the baptism-of
John? Why did this question discomfit them so greatly? Be-
cause they were on the spot, how •did they reply? This was a
lie and a weak reply, but it was all they could do to save face
in the situation.
Jesus then told the parable we have just read. What was
"bugging" the first son when he rudely replied, "No, sir"? Why
-
did he not wish to be about his father's business? What might
have induced him afterward to repent and go? The Spirit,had
worked on his heart revealing the character of his father: and
,
his own obligations. The second son said, "Yes, sir." Compare
Israel's reaction in Ex. 24:7. This boy talked a lot but did
nothing. Compare Isa. 29:13. What was "bugging" him? Who
actually did the father's will ?
-
On what does God-judge us, on
our words or our works?
THINK IT THROUGH' What shows in my life—my words or my works? De I
'
refuse to.do God's will through rude ingratitude? What
goodnesses of God have induced me to enter His service?
"Self-righteousness is not true righ-
teousness, and those who cling• to it
will be left-to take• the consequences
of holding a fatal deception. Many to-
day claim to obey the commandments
of God, but they have not the love of
God in their hearts to flow 'forth to
others. Christ calls them to unite with
Him in His work for the saving of the
world, but they content themselves with
58'
saying, 'I go, sir.' They do not go. They
do not cooperate with those who are
doing. God's. service. They are idlers.
Like the unfaithful son, they make false
promises.to.Goct."—"Christ's Object Les-
.sons," page 279.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 272-2.83 (1923. ed.,
pages 27.3-285).
What's. Bothering You? .
LESSON 7
❑
Friday
--Part 6
"And He said also unto.His disciples, There was a cer-
JHE SHARK tain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was
,accused unto him that he had wasted, his goods. And he
called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this
. of thee? give an account,of thy stewardship; for thou may-
est be no longer steward. Then the steward said within
himself, What shall.) do? for my.
lord taketh away from
me the stewardship: I cannot dig;-to beg I am ashamed.
I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the
'Luke. 16:1-4 stewardship, they may receive me into their houses."
Read the rest of the parable and its conclusion in verses
5-9.
THINK IT THROUGH
"And I
say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the
mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may
receive you into everlasting habitations." In this story Jesus
immediately continued the discussion introduced at the end of
the story of the prodigal son. This was an account of events
which had• actually happened:
"With the prospect of discharge 'before him, the steward
saw
-
three paths- open to his choice. He must labor, beg, or
starve."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 367.
The steward's solution was to defraud his master to the
advantage of the master's debtors, so placing them under obli-
-
gation to him-so that they in turn would be good to him. How
urgently did he act? His lord commended this "prudence."
Who are "the children of this world"? Who are "the children
of light"? The unfaithful steward was a picture of the Jews
themselves. To them had been entrusted the oracles of God, but
'they had used God's gifts, of which they were stewards, for
selfish purposes to exalt and enrich themselves.
Am I putting all my talents and resources, my energy and
my knowledge, into the-work God calls me to do so that
when-the end comes I may be ready for eternity?
"Those who spend their lives in lay-
ing up worldly treasure,show less wis-
•
dam, less thought and care for their
eternal well-being, than did the unjust
steward for his earthly support. Less
wise than the•.children of this world in
.their -generation are these professed
children of the light."—"Christ's Object
Lessons," page 372.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 366-375 (1923 ed.,
pages-371-379).
59
What's Bothering You?
LESSON 7
Part 7
O
SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Who are represented by the man who owed his master a vast sum of
money)
2.
What quality was the king's debtor lacking in?
3.
Which of these qualities would you say Simon lacked—true hospitality,
reverence, gratitude, compassion)
4.
To whom did Jesus say the words, "Thou hast rightly judged"? and why?
5.
What classes, despised by the Jews, did Jesus commend for their willing-
ness to do the Father's will?
6.
COMPLETE this sentence : This parable teaches that worldly men often
show more wisdom in looking after their own interests than do the servants
of God in looking after
ANSWERS:
•
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ialeal2 all; ;my. pa;llurpu at! uatpu 'uowi5 '1
,
3
0
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60
LESSON 8
May 23
IT PAYS TO PRAY
"And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased,
one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his
disciples." Luke 11:1.
Prayer is often not valued highly be-
cause its mystery and power are not un-
derstood or realized through experiment.
Jesus has left us several parables to teach
us attitudes and approaches to effective
prayer. He Himself set an amazing exam-
ple. Even those disciples who were nearest
to Him soon realized that they actually
knew very little about true praying. So
they asked Him to teach them.
After giving them a pattern prayer, our
Lord illustrated attitudes in the petitioner
which were to blend with attitudes in God.
We should ask in order to share our bless-
ing with those in need. There is no one
time to pray—we may pray in all circum-
stances and places and times. Persistence
and heart's need will always gain an an-
swer from our prayer-hearing God.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Teach Us to Pray
Luke 11:1-4
2.
A Friend Comes Asking
Luke 11:5-8
3.
Widow in Need
Luke 18:1-8
4.
The Snob
Luke 18:9-12
5.
Heart's Cry
Luke 18:13, 14
6.
Peter—Pharisee or Publican?
Mark 14:27-29
61
It Pays to Pray
LESSON 8-
0 Sunday
Part 1'
"And it came to pass, that; as He was praying in a
TEACH US TO PRAY' certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said
unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his
.
Luke 11:1
disciples:"
•
Read also verses 2-4..
Did not the disciples know how to pray before this? They
must have been taught both in their homes and also in the
synagogues. What then made them ask Jesus to teach them
to pray? What was there about Christ's prayer life that made
them feel that their own praying was inadequate? They knew
the theory of praying, the form of words, and pious phrases;
but they now longed to pray as their Master .prayed. They
had noted on many occasions that His seasons of prayer did
something for Him that their prayers had never done for them.
"The Saviour's face was .irradiated with a celestial bright-
ness. He seemed to bein the very presence of the Unseen, and
there was a living power in His words as
.
of one who spoke with
God."—Thoughts.From the Mount-of Blessing,
page 102.
How did Jesus treat their request for instruction? Luke
11:2-4. He gave them a model prayer. It was not new to them,
for He had already given -it to them in the Sermon on the
Mount. "That which He has before taught them He repeats,
as if He would say, You need to understand what I have al-
ready given. It has a depth of meaning you have
-
not yet
fathomed."—Ibid., p. 103.
THINK IT THROUGH Is-prayer a real experience-in my life, or is it merely the
repetition of well-worn phrases? Do I pray according to
the spirit and intent of my Master's prayer?
"The hearts of the listening disciples
were deeply moved. They had marked
how often He spent long hours in soli-
tude in communion with His Father: His
days were passed in ministering to the
crowds that pressed upon Him, and in-
unveiling
-
the treacherous• sophistry of
the rabbis, and this incessant labor
often left Him so utterly• wearied that
His mother and brothers, and even His
disciples, had feared that His life would
be sacrificed. But as He returned from-
the hours of 'prayer that closed
-
the
toilsome day, they marked the look of
peace upon His face, the sense of re
62
freshment that seemed to pervade His
presence. It was from hours spent with
God that He ,came forth, morning by
morning, to bring the light of heaven to
men. The disciples had come to connect
His hours of prayer with the power of
His words and works. Now, as they
listened-to His supplication, their hearts
were awed and humbled."—"Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing," -pages
102, 103.
For deeper study: "Thoughts- From
the Mount of Blessing," pages 102,
103 (1943 ed., pages 151-153).
It Pays to Pray
LESSON 8
❑
Monday
.
'Part' 2
"And He said unto`
•
them,' Which of you 'shall have a
-
A FRIEND COMES friend, and shall go
-
,unto him at midnight, -and say unto
ASKING' him, Friend, lend -me three 'loaves; for -a •friend of mine
in- his journey is come-to me, and I have nothing to set
before' him?. And he from within shall .answer and say,
Trouble me not: the door is now shut, -and my children
are with
,
me.-in .bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say,
unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because
he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will
Luke 11:5-8
-
rise and give him as many as he needeth."
Jesus told this parable to illustrate the-lesson He desired His
disciples to learn concerning the motivation behind their
prayers. Jesus prayed for strength ,to help others in their -needs.
John 17:9, 20-23. What-should be our motive in praying? Eph.
6:18-20. It is significant that the importunate man in the par-
able asked his friend for bread with which to feed others. Who
is his unexpected guest?
.Bread in the Scriptures is a symbol of spiritual food. What
made the man so desperately diligent? Christ's word for "im-
portunity" means "shamelessness." Have we a supply of the
bread of life on hand to give to those who ask us? 1 Peter
3:15.
We must•. note that the selfish, lazy neighbor in the parable
does not represent the character of our heavenly Father: "The
lesson is.drawn, not by comparison,- but by contrast.
-
A selfish
man will grant an urgent request, in order to rid himself of
one who disturbs his rest. But God delights to give. He is full
of compassion, and He longs to grant the requests of those who
come unto Him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister
to others and thus become like
Himself."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 141.
How did Jesus illustrate the Father's willingness to answer
the prayers of His children? Luke 11:9-13. Compare Eph. 3:20.
Instead of the three loaves.the man.requested, how...many
is he actually given?
THINKAT THROUGH Is it perhaps because my. prayers are too formal or• too
selfish that they do. not seem .
.
to be effective? Do" I ask
to.have, or to give?
"Our prayers are notto be a -selfish
asking, merely-for our own benefit. •We
are to ask that we may give. The•pri.n-
ciple of Christ's life must be'the prin-
ciple of our lives. 'For•their sakes,'•He
said; speaking-of -His disciples, 'I sanc-
tify Myself, that they also might be
sanctified.' John
17:19'.-The
same de-
votion, the same self-sacrifice, the same
subjection to the claims of the .Word
of God, that• were manifest in Christ,
mustbe seen in His servants."—"Christ's .
Object Lessons," page 142.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 139-149 (1923 ed.,
pages 137-149).
63
It Pays to Pray
LESSON 8
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
"And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that
WIDOW IN NEED men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There
was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither
regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and
she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adver-
sary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he
said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard
man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge
Luke 18:1-5 her, lest by her continual coming she weary me."
Read also verses 6-8.
The emphasis of this parable went beyond praying. It under-
lined the thought "and not to faint." The judge had treated
the widow both unjustly and contemptuously. He delighted
in showing his authority. Although she had a just cause, he
drove her many times from the judgment seat. Finally her per-
sistence compelled him to give her a hearing.
Apparently some enemy was trying to wrest her money from
her, for her prayer was, "Avenge me of mine adversary." Who
is the enemy of God's people? 1 Peter 5:8. It is for deliverance
from the power of Satan and his agents that in this parable
Christ teaches His disciples to pray. A prophetic picture of the
victory which will result is given us by the prophet Zechariah.
Zech. 3 :1-5.
What expression did the judge use to describe the woman's
effect on him? It literally means "smite me below the
eye";
figuratively, "beat me out," or "wear me out."
THINK IT THROUGH Am I daily thankful that I have a compassionate Listener
in the heavenly courts, ready to free me from my ad-
versary, ready to supply all my needs for time and for
eternity?
"The character of the judge in the
parable, who feared not God nor re-
garded man, was presented by Christ
to show the kind of judgment that was
then being executed, and that would
soon be witnessed at His trial. He de-
sires His people in all time to realize
how little dependence can be placed
on earthly rulers or judges in the day
of adversity. Often the elect people of
God have to stand before men in offi-
cial positions who do not make the
Word of God their guide and counselor,
but who follow their own unconse-
crated, undisciplined impulses.
64
"In the parable of the unjust judge,
Christ has shown what we should
do. 'Shall not God avenge His own
elect, which cry day and night unto
Him?' Christ, our example, did nothing
to vindicate or deliver. Himself. He com-
mitted His case to God. So His followers
are not to accuse or condemn, or to
resort to force in order to deliver them-
selves."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"
page 171.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 164-180 (1923 ed.,
pages 167-183).
It Pays to Pray
LESSON 8
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted
THE SNOB in themselves that they were righteous, and despised
others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the
one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee
stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee,
that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust,
adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the
Luke 18:9-12 week, I give tithes of all that I possess."
What attitude did Jesus notice in some to whom He directed
this parable? The Pharisees were the conservative sect of the
Jews and were proud and boastful. They made a great display
of praying in public to demonstrate their piety.
With whom does Jesus say the Pharisee prayed? How far
did his prayers reach? For what does he give thanks? What
is his aim in praying? His prayer is entirely negative. He omits
any reference to the goodness or the mercy of His Creator.
Does he acknowledge his sin and need? How high was his
estimate of himself above his fellow human beings?
Notice what he said of the publican. What bearing to us
has Christ's warning against the philosophy of the Pharisees?
Matt. 16:6. Is self-congratulation ever in place?
THINK IT THROUGH As I kneel to pray, what picture of my attitudes and de-
sires do the angels see? With whom am I talking? By
stressing the diseases of others do I make my health any
better?
"The religion of the Pharisee does
not touch the soul. He is not seeking
Godlikeness of character, a heart filled
with love and mercy. He is satisfied
with a religion that has to do only
with the outward life. His righteousness
is his own—the fruit of his own works
—and judged by a human standard.
"Whoever trusts in himself that he
is righteous, will despise others. As the
Pharisee judges himself by other men,
so he judges other men by himself.
His righteousness is estimated by theirs,
and the worse they are the more
righteous by contrast he appears. His
self-righteousness leads to accusing.
Other men he condemns as transgressors
of God's law. Thus he is making mani-
fest the very spirit of Satan, the accuser
of the brethren. With this spirit it is im-
possible for him to enter into com-
munion with God. He goes down to
his house destitute of the divine bless-
ing."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page
151.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 150, 151 (1923 ed.,
pages 151, 152).
65
It Pays to Pray
LESSON 8
❑
Thursday
Part 5
"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift
HEART'S CRY up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his
breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you,
this man went down to his house justified rather than
the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be
Luke 18:13, 14 abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
While the Pharisee stood where all could see and witness
his praying, the publican stood "afar off." What picture of his
relationship to God does this convey? So great was the sense
of his own sinfulness that he felt he was unworthy to mingle
with the other worshipers in the temple court.
In what other ways was his humility manifested? His was
a short prayer, but effective. What did his prayer reveal about
his understanding of God? Compare Ezra's prayer in Ezra 9:6.
"Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, he stood as if alone
in God's presence. His only desire was for pardon and peace, his
only plea was the mercy of
God."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 152.
"God be merciful"—the word "merciful" from the same root
as "mercy seat." See Rom. 3:25, where the word is "propitia-
tion." What did Christ say about the effectiveness of this man's
prayer? Do repetitions and oratory have any place in effectual
prayer? Matt. 6:5-8; Prov. 29:23. In what attitude should
we constantly be? 1 Thess. 5:17. What is "justification" by
faith through prayer?
THINK IT THROUGH Do I sometimes perform actions or make visits on which
1 am unable to ask God's blessing? What is my attitude
toward the majesty of God as well as His mercy when
I kneel to pray? Do I make myself the center of my
prayers?
"The prayer of the publican was
heard because it showed dependence
reaching forth to lay hold upon Omnip-
otence. Self to the publican appeared
nothing but shame. Thus it must be
66
seen by all who seek God."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," page 159.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 150, 151 (1923 ed.,
pages 151, 152).
It Pays to Pray
LESSON 8
❑
Friday
Part 6
PETER—PHARISEE
OR PUBLICAN?
Mark 14:27-29
"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended
because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite
the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after
that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter
said unto Him, Although all shall be offended, yet will
not I."
Did the apostle Peter represent the attitude of the Pharisee
or the publican in his protestations before the crucifixion? "For
each of the classes represented by the Pharisee and the publi-
can there is a lesson in the history of the apostle Peter."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 152.
To what instances in his life would you apply this statement?
During his years with Christ Peter exhibited self-confidence.
He thought he was quite able to meet any temptation or test
which might come his way. What experience did he have that
showed how inadequate his self-confidence was? Mark 14:66-72.
In what words does the apostle Paul warn us about the
dangers of self-confidence? 1 Cor. 10:12. But Peter learned his
lesson. His experience in the court of the high priest engraved
the truth deeply on his heart, and he never again asserted him-
self or relied upon his own strength. What incident just before
our Lord's ascension shows how well Peter had learned his
lesson of trust in the Lord for strength? John 21:15-17.
"The once restless, boastful, self-confident disciple had be-
come subdued and contrite. Henceforth he followed his Lord
in self-denial and self-sacrifice."—Ibid., p. 154. How did Jesus
suggest to Peter that his victorious life might display daily
service to needy human beings? Why did Peter have to wait
for a terrible crisis before he learned his lesson? What aspects
of Christ's character does His treatment of His self-confident
disciple reveal?
THINK IT THROUGH Is the subduing of self a daily business with me? Am I
waiting
for
some future time or great crisis in which to
display my discipleship, or am I daily doing my duty to
Christ's sheep and lambs?
"It was through self-sufficiency that
Peter fell
;
and it was through repent-
ance and humiliation that his feet were
again established. In the record of his
experience every repenting sinner may
find encouragement. Though Peter had
grievously sinned, he was not forsaken.
The words of Christ were written upon
his soul, 'I have prayed for thee, that
thy faith fail not.' Luke 22:32. In his
bitter agony of remorse, this prayer,
and the memory of Christ's look of
love and pity, gave him hope."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 155,
156.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 151-163 (1923 ed.,
pages 152-165).
67
89
1. During the Sermon on the Mount. 2. False; he wanted it to give to others. 3. Importunity.
4. With himself. 5. The publican. 6. Peter.
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LESSON 9
May 30
COUNTING THE COST AND BUILDING WELL
"And now, 0 inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you,
betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard,
that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth
grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?" Isa. 5:3, 4.
Human nature, apart from the_trans
::
forming grace of Christ, changes'little from
generation to
One illustration
of this is that men always look for the
easiest and criickest ways to do things,
often with no long view of the permanent
results of their plans. Desire for immediate
profits and the struggle to gain what they
want right now often lead to evil. Christ
emphasized that preoccupation with the
permanent and eternal rather than the im-
mediate and transitory should characterize
our lives. What He recommends in the
stories we are to study is that we act from
principle, carefully counting the cost and
building well.
6. Children at Play
Luke 7:31-35
69
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Permanent Foundations
Matt. 7:24, 25
2.
Shifting and Slippery
Matt. 7:26, 27
3.
Robes for Rags
Mark 2:21
4.
Old Bags and Holy Patches
Mark 2:22
5.
Building a Tower
Luke 14:25-30
Counting the Cost and Building Well
LESSON 9
❑
Sunday
Part
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine,
PERMANENT and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which
FOUNDATIONS built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and
the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that
Matt. 7:24, 25 house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."
What is the "wisdom" to which Christ refers? Is it possible
to escape the responsibility of building some sort of character?
To whom does the symbol "rock" point in the Scriptures? Deut.
32:4; 1 Cor. 10:4.
"Rock" is also representative of God's Word. His "Word"
is both incarnate in Christ and inspired in the Bible. "The word
of our God shall stand forever." Isa. 40:8. "The Word of God
is the only steadfast thing our world knows. It is the sure
foundation."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
page 148.
Christ's listeners knew well what Jesus was talking about
when He contrasted the two kinds of houses—those built on
sand, for in the valleys were many such, and others built on
rock. The houses built upon rock were unmoved by the violent
storms and floods that frequently visited the area of the lake
of Galilee. Did the fact that the builders were sincere and meant
well guarantee that they were safe from storm? What connec-
tion did Jesus make between hearing and doing? It was not as
easy to build upon the rock as on the sands of the riverbeds,
but it paid off in the end. So it may not be easy for us to build
our characters upon Christ and His Word, but it pays! Who
is the Master Architect? What materials should be used in char-
acter building? 1 Cor. 3:9-15.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I building my life on the sure foundation of Christ
and His law and Word? Am I afraid of preparing the
hard and difficult material for my character building?
"The great principles of the law,
of the very nature of God, are em-
bodied in the words of Christ on the
mount. Whoever builds upon them is
building upon Christ, the Rock of Ages.
In receiving the Word, we receive
Christ. And only those who thus receive
His words are building upon Him.
'Other foundation can no man lay than
that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.'
1 Cor. 3:11. 'There is none other name
under heaven, given among men,
70
whereby we must be saved.' Acts 4:12.
Christ, the Word, the revelation of
God,—the manifestation of His char-
acter, His law, His love, His life,—is the
only foundation upon which we can
build a character that will endure."—
"Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,"
pages 148, 149.
For deeper study: "Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing," pages 147-152
(1943 ed., pages 211-218).
Counting the Cost and Building Well
LESSON 9
❑
Monday
Part 2
"And everyone that heareth these sayings of Mine, and
SHIFTING AND doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which
SLIPPERY built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended,
and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon
Matt. 7:26, 27 that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Sand is shifting, easy to arrange, and apparently docile under
our efforts. But it is unstable and easily moved again by some-
one else. It may be blown by the wind for miles. The man who
built upon the sand was sincere but stupid. He wanted the easy
and quick way. Is sincerity enough? We need sound common
sense and true knowledge in building a character house which
will survive the storms of life. Those who trust to themselves
to earn salvation are building upon sand. What other illustra-
tions of sandy foundations can you think of? What characters
in the Bible thus built?
The man who built on sand was in danger from: overwhelm-
ing rainstorms which cause washouts and waterlogging of fields;
floods (Satan is compared in the Scriptures to a flood—Isa.
59:19) ; raging winds (these represent strife and false doctrines
—Eph. 4:14) .
What sort of person does the Bible depict as a "fool"? Luke
24:25; 1 Cor. 1:18; 2:14; Ps. 14:1. How did Christ say this
foolish man reacted to the preaching of the Word? What mate-
rials does a fool build into his character? 1 Cor. 3:12, last part.
What do these represent?
THINK IT THROUGH Have I selected the only firm Foundation, or am I build-
ing on the shifting sands of self-dependence and human
philosophy? Is my problem laziness which looks for the
easy row to hoe?
"Every building erected on other
foundation than God's Word will fall.
He who, like the
-
Jews in Christ's day,
builds on the foundation of human
ideas and opinions, of forms and cere-
monies of man's invention, or on any
works that he can do independently of
the grace of Christ, is erecting
his struc-
ture
of character upon the shifting sand.
The fierce tempests of temptation will
sweep away the sandy foundation and
leave his house a wreck on the shores
of time."—"Thoughts From the Mount
of Blessing," pages T50, 151.
For deeper study: "Patriarchs and
Prophets," page 460; "The Desire of
Ages," page 314.
71
Counting the Cost and Building Well
LESSON 9
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
"No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old
ROBES FOR RAGS garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away
Mark 2:21 from the old, and the rent is made worse."
What were the two kinds of "garments" discussed in Gen.
3:7, 21? What do "garments" represent in the Scriptures and
in this parable? Rev. 19:8. What is the cloth and where is it
woven? Is it possible to repair old clothes with new cloth?
Why does new cloth pull away from the old material and make
the rent even worse? What meaning has this in spiritual
things? Can I patch up my character by leaving some of my
sinful ways and adding a few new patches? Why must there
be completely new raiment? This parable shows us the need,
not for trying to patch up the characters we have, but for ob-
taining new robes—the righteousness of Christ. Peter was con-
tinually endeavoring to patch up the old garments of his
character. It was not until he accepted Christ's robe of righ-
teousness in its entirety that he became a true disciple of the
Lord Jesus.
THINK IT THROUGH What are the functions of my garments? Do they only
cover my nakedness, or do they make me attractive to
others? Am I contenting myself with mere patchwork
when I might obtain a whole new garment of righteous-
ness for the asking? Should I be satisfied with rags when
there are available to me the most beautiful robes?
"God makes no compromise with
sin. A genuine conversion changes he-
reditary and cultivated tendencies to
wrong. The religion of God is a firm
fabric, composed of innumerable
threads, and woven together with tact
and skill. Only the wisdom which comes
from God can make this fabric com-
plete. There are a great many kinds
of cloth which at first have a fine ap-
pearance, but they cannot endure the
test. They wash out. The colors are not
fast. Under the heat of summer they
fade away and are lost. The cloth can-
not endure rough handling.
"So it is with the religion of many.
72
When the warp and woof of character
will not stand the test of trial, the ma-
terial of which it is composed is worth-
less. The efforts made to patch the
old with a new piece do not better the
condition of things; for the old, flimsy
material breaks away from the new,
leaving the rent much larger than
before. Patching will not do. The only
way is to discard the old garment al-
together, and procure one entirely
new."—Ellen G. White Comments, "SDA
Bible Commentary," Vol. 6, p. 1101.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," page 311 (1923 ed., page
318).
Counting the Cost and Building Well
LESSON 9
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"No man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the
OLD BAGS AND new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled,
HOLY PATCHES and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be
Mark 2:22 put into new bottles."
Read also Ezek. 36:26.
Wine bottles were made from the skins of goats. After being
stretched to their capacity they would harden with age. Then
they could not be repaired with new skin patches. They were
used also as containers for other liquids. What does the "new
wine" represent? Luke 22:20.
The product of the crushed fruit of the true Vine illustrates
certain aspects of our Saviour's mission. Can you add to these:
the new teaching of the kingdom of God, righteousness by
faith, the sacrifice of Calvary? Why cannot this new teaching
be put into the old, rotten wineskins of our past lives and pat-
terns of thought? New wine needs new wineskins. Where can
you get these? John 3:3, 5.
Christ was not able to work through the Jewish leaders
of
His day—they were the old wine bottles—so He called upon
those who had not been educated by the rabbis and were not
members of the Sanhedrin to become educators for Him. "He
could make them as new bottles for the new wine of His king-
dom."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5, pp. 1088, 1089.
Animal skins were made into both garments and bottles.
Compare and contrast the old garments with the old bottles,
and the new garments and new bottles. What is the significance
to you of the robes which covered and the bottles which con-
tained?
THINK IT THROUGH Have I cleared away all my old prejudices and concepts
and allowed Christ to have full control of my heart and
mind? Am I dominated by a desire to hold on to the
outworn past?
"When God's people are one in the
unity of the Spirit, all of Phariseeism,
all of self-righteousness, which was the
sin of the Jewish nation, will be ex-
pelled from all hearts. The mold of
Christ will be upon each individual
member of His body, and His people
will be new bottles into which He can
pour His new wine, and the new wine
will not break the bottles. . . .
"Jesus came to impart to the human
soul the Holy Spirit, by which the love
of God is shed abroad in the heart; but
it is impossible to endow men with the
Holy Spirit, who are set in their ideas,
whose doctrines are all stereotyped,
and unchangeable, who are walking
after the traditions and commandments
of men, as were the Jews in the time
of Christ."—"Selected Messages," Bk. 1,
p. 386.
For deeper study: Ellen G. White
Comments, "SDA Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5, pp. 1088, 1089.
73
Counting the Cost and Building Well
LESSON 9
❑
Thursday
Part 5
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth
BUILDING A TOWER not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have
sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the
foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold
it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build,
Luke 14:28-30 and was not able to finish."
Read also verses 25-27.
THINK IT THROUGH
What did Jesus mean by a "tower"? Was it a place of de-
fense, storage, lookout, or worship? 2 Sam. 22:3, 51; Prov.
18:10; Jer. 6:27; Hab. 2:1.
This parable shows us another problem that can bring dis-
couragement and ruin—a failure to count the cost. This story
was told during the last months of Christ's ministry. The
Pharisees and scribes had rejected Christ and condemned all
who followed Him. Some did not wish to incur their displea-
sure. But there were others who were carried forward by their
own eagerness. They apparently wanted above all things to
be followers of the Man who was different from any other
leader they had known. Christ wanted to warn these that there
was a price to be paid for discipleship, just as there is a price
to be paid for every good thing that we enjoy. The price for
success is energy, persistence, and wholehearted devotion. Can
you add to this list? In what words did He hint at this? Luke
14:26, 27, 33.
This parable has an application to any practical undertak-
ing, whether soul-winning projects or material buildings. Our
faith and activity must be coupled with common sense.
Am I at times carried away by enthusiasm, or do I quietly
sit down and count the cost of each of my enterprises?
Do I consider the reputation of the great Master Builder
should I fail? Is my problem a lack of mature forethought
and reckless and impulsive activity?
"Let everyone take time to consider
carefully; and not be like the man
in the parable who began to build, and
was not able to finish. Not a move
should be made but that movement and
all that it portends are carefully con-
sidered—everything weighed.. . .
"There may be individuals who will
make a rush to do something, and enter
into some business they know nothing
74
about. This God does not require. Think
candidly, prayerfully, studying the
Word with all carefulness and prayer-
fulness, with mind and heart awake to
hear the voice of God. . . . To under-
stand the will of God is a great thing."
—"Selected Messages," Bk. 2, p. 362.
For deeper study: "Evangelism,"
pages 362, 340.
Counting the Cost and Building Well
LESSON 9
❑
Friday
Part 6
"And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the
CHILDREN AT PLAY men of this generation? and to what are they like? They
are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and
calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto
you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you,
and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither
eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a
devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and
ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a
friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified
Luke 7:31-35
of all her children."
This parable has a lesson for those who are never satisfied
with what is done for them. Christ had often observed children
playing in the evening in the open areas of cities where the
stalls of the market had been dismantled for the night. The
fickle changeability of these young people was the point He
brought out. Some led out in the game of weddings while others
played funerals. The first cried, "Dance!" The second called
out, "Weep !" The wedding players were disgruntled at those
who would not play their game, while the funeral players felt
the same about the wedding children. "If you don't do what
I want, I won't play with you !" is the attitude depicted.
Christ compared the solemn message of the Baptist with the
"funeral" players, while His own happier messages were lik-
ened to the "wedding." The people had responded to neither
approach except by criticism. Few seemed genuinely satisfied.
His age was a childish, unreasonable one. John, many felt,
lacked the gentle, human touch. And Christ, they thought, went
to unnecessary extremes to be friendly with sinners! Do
not
listen to either leader, they urged. Our generation, too, Jesus
might observe, is like a group of petulent, unpredictable chil-
dren.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I ever childishly say, "If you don't— I won't play with
you!"? Do I always want my own way? Am I fickle or
steady, petulant or reasonable?
"The sinner must be led to look to
Calvary; with the simple faith of a little
child he must trust in the merits of the
Saviour, accepting His righteousness,
believing in His mercy."—"Gospel
Workers," pages 156, 157.
"If you will sincerely humble your
hearts before Him, empty your souls
of self-esteem, and put away the nat-
ural defects of your character, and
overcome your love of supremacy, and
come to God as little children, He will
bestow on you His Holy Spirit."—"Tes-
timonies to Ministers," page 323.
For deeper study: Consider Solomon's
prayer: 1 Kings 3:5-15.
75
Counting the Cost and Building Well
LESSON 9
Part 7
0
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Who is the wise man who builds his house upon the rock)
2.
Who is the foolish man who builds his house upon the sand?
3.
What does the new cloth used to patch an old garment do to it?
4.
Finish this sentence: Christ said that putting new wine into old bottles
would
5.
Fill in the missing words: "Whosoever doth not
his
and come after me, cannot be my
6.
Which is correct? Jesus likens this generation to
(a)
children playing in
the marketplace, bidding for attention,
(b)
children competing against each
other?
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76
LESSON 10
June
6
VIGIL AT MIDNIGHT
"Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at
even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming sud-
denly he find you sleeping." Mark 13:35, 36.
The Bible presents in many ways the
truth that constant vigilance is the price
all must pay in order to escape the attacks
of the enemy of souls and attain to final
victory. Christ Himself told several stories
to emphasize different aspects of this vital
truth. In the parables which we shall study
this week two main relationships are indi-
cated. The first deals with that relation-
ship which exists between a faithful ser-
vant and his trusting master. The second
has to do with that relationship entered
into by willing volunteers, and is illustrated
by bridal attendants at a wedding. In the
first, service is paid for. In the other, all
service is rendered joyfully and freely. The
emphasis is on the point that we must be
faithful right up to the end, vigilant and
prepared to serve when called upon.
Late, late, so late ! but we can enter
still....
No light had we; for that we do
repent;
And learning this, the bridegroom will
relent.
Too late, too late! ye cannot enter
now....
Have we not heard the bridegroom is
so sweet?
0 let us in, though late, to kiss his
feet!
No, no, too late! ye cannot enter now.
—Mired, Lord Tennyson,
"The Poet's Life of Christ."
LESSON OUTLINE
I. Watchful Servants
Mark 13:32-34
2.
What Time Is It?
Luke 12:35-40
3.
Religion Like a Wedding
Matt. 25:1-4
4.
Cry at Midnight
Matt. 25:5-7
5.
Oh, We Meant Well!
Matt. 25:8, 9
6.
What! Too Late?
Matt. 25:10-13
77
Vigil at Midnight
LESSON 10
❑
Sunday
Part 1
"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no,
WATCHFUL not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but
SERVANTS the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know
not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man
taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave au-
thority to his servants, and to every man his work, and
Mark 13:32-34 commanded the porter to watch."
What does Christ say about the day and the hour of His
coming? Matt. 24:36. Jesus here repeats the warning that no
one except the Father in heaven knows the exact time of His
coming; therefore it behooves all to be prepared constantly.
Does this suggest that Christ Himself does not know the time
of His advent? Is it wise, then, for us to try to predict this
event? At what period did all "time prophecies" come to their
end? Rev. 10:6, last part.
The "far journey" undertaken by the man in the parable is
Christ's return to His home in heaven. What is the "house"
that the man in the parable leaves to the care of his servants?
The authority Christ invested in the "servants" is the power of
the gospel, the message of salvation.
Everyone has been assigned his own task. The "porter" is
commanded to watch. The emphasis is on watchfulness in this
parable. The word "watch" occurs three times. What blessing
is pronounced on those who are watchful? Luke 12:37. How
may we keep awake? Our waiting for the Lord of the house-
hold is not to be idle waiting. Each is to do his appointed
work. What do you understand by "suddenly"?
THINK IT THROUGH By my occupation, my choices, my interests, am I show-
ing that I am constantly on the watch? Against what in
my life should I personally be on guard?
"Because we know not the exact
time of His coming, we are commanded
to watch. 'Blessed are those servants,
whom the Lord when He cometh shall
find watching.' Luke 12:37. Those who
watch for the Lord's coming are not
waiting in idle expectancy. The expec-
tation of Christ's coming is to make
men fear the Lord, and fear His judg-
ments upon transgression. It is to
78
awaken them to the great sin of reject-
ing His offers of mercy. Those who are
watching for the Lord are purifying
their souls by obedience to the truth.
With vigilant watching they combine
earnest working."—"The Desire of
Ages," page 634.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," pages 635, 636.
Vigil at Midnight
LESSON 10
❑
Monday
Part 2
"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burn-
WHAT TIME IS IT? ing; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their
lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when
he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him im-
mediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord
when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto
you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit
Luke 12:35-37 down to meat, and will come forth and serve them."
Read also verses 38-40.
How did Christ express the Father's great desire for His chil-
dren? Luke 12:32. What is suggested by "loins"? 1 Peter 1:13.
How may they be "girded"? See
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
460. What are our "lights"? Prov. 20:27. How may they grow
dim? See
Testimonies for the Church,
Vol. 4, pp. 123, 124.
God's longing for His children to inherit the kingdom will
do no good unless they, for their part, also want it with all
their hearts. And this desire must include constant vigilance.
"The Lord intimates a delay before the morning finally dawns.
But He would not have them give way to weariness, nor relax
their earnest watchfulness, because the morning does not open
upon them as soon as they
expected."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2,
p. 192.
Three "watches" are mentioned in the parable. Understand-
ably it is easy to be watchful in the first watch, but watchful-
ness has a tendency to slacken off as time goes by and the
second watch passes into the third. But "the third watch calls
for threefold earnestness. To become impatient now would be
to lose all our earnest, persevering watching heretofore.
The
long night of gloom is trying; but the morning is deferred in
mercy, because if the Master should come, so many would be
found unready."—Ibid., p. 194.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I allowing my vigilance to slacken as the time goes
by, or am I more alert as the advent seems delayed? In
what ways may I allow my light to grow dim?
"The desire of our Lord is that we
should be watching, so that when He
cometh and knocketh we may open to
Him immediately. A blessing is pro-
nounced upon those servants whom He
finds watching. 'He shall gird Himself,
and make them to sit down to meat,
and will come forth and serve them.'
Who among us in these last days will
be thus specially honored by the Mas-
ter of assemblies? Are we prepared
without delay to open to Him imme-
diately and welcome Him in? Watch,
watch, watch. Nearly all have ceased
their watching and waiting; we are not
ready to open to Him immediately."
—"Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 195.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," pages 634, 635.
79
Vigil at Midnight
LESSON 10
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten
RELIGION LIKE virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet
A WEDDING the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five
were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps,
and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their
Matt. 25:1-4 vessels with their lamps."
Christ and the disciples were seated on the Mount of Olives
when He told this parable. Christ had just concluded Matthew
24. "Then" ties the two chapters together. Looking toward the
city, they could see a house all lighted up, with people gathered
expectantly, waiting for a marriage procession to begin. It was
the custom for the bridegroom with his friends (Matt. 9:15;
John 3:29) to leave his home and go to meet his bride and
bring her to his home, accompanied by her attendants and
relatives and friends. See Ps. 45:14, 15.
"The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who
profess to be waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins
because they profess a pure
faith."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 406. See Rev. 14:4; 2 Cor. 11:2.
What does the "lamp" represent? Ps. 119:105. What two
aspects of Christ's mission is portrayed by the
coming
of the
bridegroom?
To what periods do the double applications of this
parable apply? What precautions (2 Peter 1:5-8) did the "wise"
virgins take that the "foolish" ones did not (2 Peter 1:9) ?
"Oil" in the Scriptures is often used as a symbol of certain
aspects of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Can you list some?
Acts 10:38; Heb. 1:9; 1 John 2:20, 27. We find a special use
in Zechariah 4. What does "vessel" signify?
THINK IT THROUGH Am I guilty of the same foolishness as demonstrated by
the five unthoughtful virgins? What may I do to awaken?
What are my feelings and reactions to the teaching of
the advent?
"The parable of the ten virgins of
Matthew 25 also illustrates the experi-
ence of the Adventist people. In Mat-
thew 24, in answer to the question of
His disciples concerning the sign of His
coming and of the end of the world,
Christ had pointed out some of the most
important events in the history of the
world and of the church from His first
to His second advent; namely, the de-
struction of Jerusalem, the great tribu-
80
lation of the church under the pagan
and papal persecutions, the darkening
of the sun and moon, and the falling
of the stars. After this He spoke of His
coming in His kingdom, and related the
parable describing the two classes of
servants who look for His appearing."
—"The Great Controversy," page 393.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 405-408 (1923 ed.,
pages 415-417).
Vigil at Midnight
LESSON
.
10
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and
CRY AT MIDNIGHT slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the
bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those
Matt. 25:5-7 virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps."
The bridegroom seemed to be delayed in his journey to the
home of the bride; and as the hour grew late, the bridal party
and guests began to fall asleep. To what, spiritual conditions
do "slumber" and "sleep" point?
Then at midnight one who was watching raised the cry,
"The bridegroom cometh !" "Cometh" is a supplied word in
the text. We are to look to Jesus. His advent will fit into place.
Immediately all were wakened.
This is a twofold picture of the coming of the heavenly
Bridegroom. The first points to His coming to the sanctuary
(Dan. 7:10, 13, 14) to determine who will constitute the bridal
party. His second advent also is portrayed. The first cry "Be-
hold the Bridegroom" went out in 1844. The second is now!
We should notice that "the coming of the bridegroom was at
midnight—the darkest hour. So the coming of Christ will take
place in the darkest period of this earth's
history."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 414.
How may I gain a better appreciation of God? Will the
message of Rev. 14:6, 7 help? What condition of the church
is represented by the foolish virgins? Rev. 3:15-18. "The state
of the church represented by the foolish virgins is also spoken
of as the Laodicean state."—Ellen G. White, in
The Review
and Herald,
Aug. 19, 1890.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I being engulfed by the darkness of unbelief and
superstition around me, or am I a light in my neighbor-
hood? Do I have sufficient "oil" for the journey?
"The days of Noah and Lot pictured
the condition of the world just before
the coming of the Son of man. The
Scriptures pointing forward to this time
declare that Satan will work with all
power and 'with all deceivableness of
unrighteousness.' 2 Thess. 2:9, 10. His
working is plainly revealed by the
rapidly increasing darkness, the multi-
tudinous errors, heresies, and delusions
of these last days. Not only is Satan
leading the world captive, but his de-
ceptions are leavening the professed
churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. The
great apostasy will develop into dark-
ness deep as midnight, impenetrable
as sackcloth of hair. To God's people
it will be a night of trial, a night of
weeping, a night of persecution for the
truth's sake. But out of that night of
darkness God's light will shine."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 414,
415.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 408-412 (1923 ed.,
pages 418-420); "The Great Contro-
versy," page 426.
81
Vigil at Midnight
LESSON ' 10
❑
Thursday
"And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your
oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered,
saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you:
but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for your-
selves."
Why was there no problem for the five wise virgins? When
had they taken the precaution of buying oil to replenish their
lamps? Where had they obtained this? The foolish girls cried
out, "Our lamps are
going out!"
(Greek). Where only could
they go to find oil? Zech. 4:6, 11-14.
In their predicament what did the five foolish virgins seek
to get from the others? Why could not the wise virgins comply
with the request and share their "oil"?
-
The reply, "Not so !"
is abrupt and final. What did they suggest that the young
women should do?
The "oil" also represents the character developed by the
indwelling Spirit. One person cannot develop character for an-
other. What
-
does the Bible teach about the impossibility of
transferring human goodness from one to another? Ezek. 14:14,
20; Jer. 15:1. To what occasions does this message apply?
"Character is not transferable. No man can believe for another.
No man can receive the Spirit for another. No man can impart
to another the character which is the fruit of the Spirit's work-
ing."
—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 412.
In what ways
did
Moses, Samuel, Noah, Daniel, Job, each
in his generation help to save his fellows?
THINK IT THROUGH Through careful Bible study and submission to the mold-
ing of the Spirit day by day am I building a character
that Christ will accept in His kingdom? Or am I hopefully
relying on others to discipline me in worship and in Bible
study?
Part 5
OH, WE
MEANT WELL!
Matt. 25:8, 9
"It is in
a crisis that character is
revealed. When the earnest voice pro-
claimed at midnight, 'Behold, the bride-
groom cometh; go ye out to meet him,'
and the sleeping virgins were roused
from their slumbers, it was seen who
had made preparation for the event.
Both parties were taken unawares; but
one was prepared for the emergency,
and the other was found without prep-
aration. So now, a sudden and un-
looked-for calamity, something that
82
brings the soul face to face with death,
will show whether there is any real
faith in the promises of God. It will
show whether the soul is sustained by
grace. The great final test comes at the
close of human probation, when it will
be too late for the soul's need to be
supplied."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"
page 412.
For deeper study: Ellen G. White
Comments, "SDA Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5, p. 1099.
Vigil at Midnight
LESSON 10
D
Friday
Part 6
"And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came;
WHAT! TOO LATE? and they that were ready went in with him
-
to the mar-
riage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the
other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he an-
swered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither • the day nor the
Matt. 25:10-13 hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
Read also Luke 13:26, 27.
The foolish set out on a vain mission to buy oil. This sug-
gests that it will be useless and too late to try to develop a
godlike character through a sudden burst of Bible study to
obtain the oil of the Spirit after the close of probation. While
they were gone, the bridegroom came, and the procession made
its way back to his home. By the time the five foolish virgins
returned, the ready ones had gone inside and the door was
shut. The foolish girls were too late!
What two periods of church history are portrayed by all
this? In what ways did the movement of 1844, the first angel's
message, fulfill this part of the parabolic prophecy? How will
the end, the third angel's message and its rejection, fulfill it?
What is the "door," and what is meant by "the shut door"?
What were the foolish ones told, when they pleaded to be
admitted? Luke 13:24-30.
"Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those
words of doom, 'I know you not.',The_fellowship of the Spirit,
which you have slighted, could alone Mike
-
you one with the
joyous throng at the marriage feast. In that scene you cannot
participate. Its light would fall on blinded eyes, its melody upon
deaf ears. Its love and joy could awake no chord of gladness
in the world-benumbed heart. You are shut out from heaven
by your own unfitness for its companionship."—Christ's
Object
Lessons,
page 413.
Who is pictured by "the door"? John 10:7. How permanent
is this exclusion? What will those who have not redeemed the
time and built characters worthy of heaven have said to them?
Matt.
7:22,
23.
THINK IT THROUGH Do I value the time given me before the end of my pro-
bation to prepare a character for eternity? Am I allowing
any earthly considerations to absorb my attention and
keep me unprepared?
"We cannot be ready to meet the
Lord by waking when the cry is heard,
'Behold, the Bridegroom!' and then
gathering up our empty lamps to have
them replenished. We cannot keep
Christ apart from our lives here, and
yet be fitted for His companionship in
heaven.
"In the parable the wise virgins had
oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Their light burned with undimmed
flame through the night of watching."
—"Christ's Object •Lessons," pages
413,
414.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 412-421 (1923 ed.,
pages 421-431).
83
Vigil at Midnight
LESSON 10
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
When the Son of man took his "far journey," what did He give to each of
His servants)
2.
What is meant by having one's loins girded about)
3.
What was the difference between what the wise virgins had with them
and what the foolish ones took)
4.
Of what is "midnight" a symbol)
5.
True or False: When the five foolish virgins asked for oil, the five wise
ones refused them and told them to ask others for some
6.
With what were the five foolish virgins confronted when they arrived at
the house of the bridegroom)
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84
LESSON 11
DAY OF RECKONING 111
"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the
other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve
God and mammon." Luke 16:13.
It is true in the physical as well as the
Am I allowing the principles of the king-
spiritual life that every seed brings forth
dom to regulate my life as I move toward
its appropriate harvest. This obvious and
the showdown at sunset?
inescapable fact is difficult of acceptance
by many. Especially do some young people
feel that it will be different for them!
LESSON OUTLINE
Others may have had to face up to the
consequences of their decisions and activ-
1.
All or Nothing
ities; but, they think, somehow things will
Luke 16:13-21
turn out differently. They will be able to
get away with their misdeeds in the end.
2. Shocked by Hell
Everything will, in the final accounting,
Luke 16:22-26
work to their advantage.
Christ used several parables to teach the
3. No Second Chance
inescapable truth that at the end of the
Luke 16:27-31
road of life there comes a day of reckon-
ing. Its findings ought not to prove sur-
4. Thanks for Nothing
prising to anyone, for the fruit of the life
Luke 17:5-10
will depend precisely upon the kind of seed
sown and the care given to the develop-
5. Stupid Millionaire
ment of the plant. Our Saviour often re-
Luke 12:16-21
peated His lessons against hypocrisy and
self-justification. As we study the stories
6. Weather Vane
He told, let us continually ask ourselves,
Mark 13:28, 29
85
Day of Reckoning
LESSON 11
❑
Sunday
Part 1
"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in
ALL OR NOTHING purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
and there was, a certain beggar named Lazarus, which
was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed
with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table:
Luke 16:19-21
moreover the dogs came and licked his sores."
Read verses 13-18.
Against how many Pharisaic characteristics did Christ direct
this parable of the rich man and Lazarus? It is one of the least
understood of all His stories. Yet it is rich in meaning for us
today. In it Christ contrasts two men who lived at different
levels of wealth and social position here on earth.
Through the parable Christ teaches that it is impossible for
men to secure the salvation of the soul after death, and that
every man is given sufficient light for the discharge of the duties
required of him.
The Pharisees despised what they considered to be Christ's
excesses; but their own covetous unbelief they ignored. To
show them that if a man rejected light on earth he might be
surprised by the hereafter, Jesus told this parable.
What significance do you see in the various advantages the
rich man possessed? Does he represent the Jewish nation?
They, like the rich man, were decked in the "purple" of royalty
and the "fine linen" of the priesthood. He lived in "jovial
splendor" (liberal translation of "sumptuously") daily. The
Jews believed that material prosperity was an index of divine
blessing and spiritual power.
Is there anything revealed by Christ to condemn this rich
man? Was he kind for tolerating the beggar near his home?
Is indifference to want a sin?
THINK IT THROUGH Am I tempted to say when I am prosperous materially,
"The Lord has blessed me"? or to think when times are
hard, "I wonder why the Lord has not blessed me"? Are
material conditions necessarily • evidence of Heaven's
blessings?
"This parable draws a contrast be-
tween the rich who have not made God
their dependence, and the poor who
have made God their dependence.
Christ shows that the time is coming
when the position of the two classes
will be reversed. Those who are poor
in this world's, goods, yet who trust in
God and-are patient in suffering, will
86
one day be exalted above those who
now hold the highest positions the
world can give but who have not sur-
rendered their life to God."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," page 260.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 261, 262 (1923 ed.,
pages 262, 263).
Day of Reckoning
LESSON 11
❑
Monday
Part 2
"And it came
to pass, that the beggar died, and was
SHOCKED BY HELL carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich
man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up
his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off,
and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father
Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he
may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my
tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham
said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst
thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but
now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And be-
side all this, between us.and you there is a great gulf
fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you
cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come
Luke 16:22-26 from thence."
The Saviour used a belief widely held among the Jews to
teach a lesson. "In this parable Christ was meeting the people
on their own ground. The doctrine of a conscious state of
existence between death and the resurrection was held by
many of those who were listening to Christ's words. The Sav-
iour knew of their ideas, and He framed His parable so as to
inculcate important truths through these preconceived opin-
ions."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 263.
According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Abraham's
bosom was the place where the just were taken after death to
await eternal life in heaven.
To whom did the rich man pray? Why not to God? He
evidently felt that being a child of Abraham was more impor-
tant than being a child of God ! But Lazarus could not help
the rich man. The Jews pictured a "great gulf" between "Abra-
ham's bosom" and Hades, which separated Lazarus from the
rich man. Jesus desires us to learn from this that it is only in
this life that we have probation. There is no further chance
after death.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I tempted to think that selfish pleasure and enjoy-
ment is the sum of happiness? Was the rich man's cry
for help in his desperate situation genuine? Am I in-
clined to turn to God In a crisis and to forget Him when
all goes well?
"Christ desires His hearers to under-
eternity."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"
stand that it is impossible for man to
page 263.
secure the salvation of the soul after
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
death. . . . This life is the only time.
Lessons," pages 263, 264 (1923 ed.,
given to man in which to prepare_for. pages 264, 265).
87
Day of Reckoning
LESSON 11
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
NO SECOND
CHANCE
Luke 16:27-31
"Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou
wouldest send him to my father's house: for I have five
brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also
come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto
him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear
them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one
went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And
he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the proph-
ets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose
from the dead."
Realizing the mistake in being callous toward the poor and
suffering during his lifetime, and of justifying his conduct, the
rich man wanted his brothers to be warned not to follow in
his footsteps and receive the fate he had received. Abraham said,
"Son, remember." We either remember in time to correct our
mistakes; or, when it is too late, we remember in fear and
remorse.
"Abraham in his answer to this request is represented as
saying, Your brothers have been sufficiently warned. Light has
been given them, but they would not see; truth has been pre-
sented to them, but they would not
hear."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
pages 264, 265.
The message is clear: if we do not accept present light, we
shut off the source of future light. The Jews asked for some
spectacular sign or evidence, but they rejected even the resur-
rection of the real Lazarus later on. We have ample evidence
in the inspired writings. Let us take heed to it.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I allowing prejudice to keep me from accepting all
the light of this message? If I refuse to study and follow
the Scriptures, will I ever yield to other evidence? Am I
expecting some spectacular revelation?
"The conversation between Abraham
and the once-rich man is figurative.
The lesson to be gathered from it is
that every man is given sufficient light
for the discharge of the duties required
of him. Man's responsibilities are pro-
portionate to his opportunities and
privileges. God gives to everyone suffi-
cient light and grace to do the work
88
He has given him to do. If man fails
to do that which a little light shows to
be his duty, greater light would only
reveal unfaithfulness, neglect to im-
prove the blessings given."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," page 265.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 264-271 (1923 ed.,
pages 265-272).
Day of Reckoning
LESSON 11
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our
THANKS FOR faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of
NOTHING mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be
thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the
sea; and it should obey you. But which of you, having
a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him
by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit
down to meat? and will not rather say unto him, Make
ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve
me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou
shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because
he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things
which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable
Luke 17:5-10 servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
As the Twelve listened to Christ's challenging message, they
doubted the effectiveness of their spiritual powers and prayed
for an increase of faith. Theirs is a magnificent request we
should make daily.
Christ divided His answer to His disciples into two parts.
The first had to do with the amount and source of their faith.
The second covered the motive of service which was exhibited
in the exercise of their faith.
The heavenly seed contains the life principle which is capable
of vast and unpredictable results. What is the relationship in
which God purposes our faith shall be energized? Rom. 10:17.
Did the size of the seed used as an illustration (the mustard
seed is among the smallest) indicate that the disciples needed
more faith or a better understanding of their own worth?
"Those who labor wholeheartedly in the Lord's vineyard,
working to the utmost of their ability, are not the ones to set
the highest estimate on their own services. Instead of swelling
with pride and self-importance, and measuring with exactness
every hour's work, they compare their efforts with the Saviour's
work and account themselves unprofitable servants."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 7, p. 209.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I depending on good works to save me? If good
works will not save me, why should I bother about work-
ing?
"Our good works alone will not save
any of us, but we cannot be saved
without good works. And after we
have done all that we can do, in the
name and strength of Jesus we are to
say: 'We are unprofitable servants.' We
are not to think that we have made
great sacrifices and that we should re-
ceive great reward for our feeble ser-
vices."—"Testimonies," Vol. 4, p. 228.
For deeper study: "Testimonies," Vol.
3, p. 526.
89
Day of Reckoning
LESSON 11
❑
Thursday
Part 5
"And He spake a parable unto them, saying, The
STUPID ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
MILLIONAIRE and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do,
because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And
he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and
build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and
my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast
much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease,
eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou
fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then
whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not
Luke 12:16-21
rich toward God."
What occasioned the telling of this parable? Luke 12:13,
14. How did Jesus reply to the man's request? Verse 15. What
factors do you think kept the two brothers from solving their
own problem? Christ's warning includes
all
covetousness. Why
did Christ not assume any responsibilities as an arbitrator in
settling business squabbles? Is this an example to the church
in religious matters? Compare John 8:3-11; Matt. 22:17-21.
What has the parable of the rich man to say of the folly
of making' worldly possessions the be-all and end-all of life?
What is the significance of Christ's word "things"? What does
Jesus tell us about the man that indicates the man's intelli-
gence?
As the wealthy farmer harvested his good crops and sur-
veyed his gains, what far-reaching plans did he make? Was
there anything wrong about such plans since there is no sug-
gestion that he made his gains by fraudulent means? But what
was basically wrong with him and his schemes? See Eccl. 5:10.
Had he forgotten the demands of Christian stewardship? In
the eyes of the world he was probably a sensible man, but see
Job 27:8. What is said, however, of the wisdom of the world?
1 Cor. 3:19. How does the Bible characterize a fool? Ps. 14:1.
A fool is one who leaves God out of his reckoning, as this man
left God out of his plans for the future. See Prov. 12:15.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I right in saying, "My soul," or does it belong to
God? Is God in all my plans, or am I laying up treasure
on earth instead of in heaven?
"This man's aims were no higher he possessed were his own, and he
than those of the beasts that perish. He
owed nothing to God or man."—"Christ's
lived as if there were no God, no Object Lessons," pages 257, 258.
heaven, no future life; as if everything
90
Day of Reckoning
LESSON 1
Friday
Part 6
WEATHER VANE
Mark 13:28, 29
"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her
branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know
that summer is near so ye in like manner, when ye shall
see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even
at the doors."
This short parable was given when Christ was answering
the question of the disciples concerning the signs by which
they and we would be able to recognize the destruction of
Jerusalem and the end of the world. What expression did Luke
add (Luke 21:29) to show that while Christ emphasized the
fig tree, He also included others? Fig trees abound in the Holy
Land, and Christ's listeners were familiar with the sight of buds
forming on the fig tree—heralds of the approach of summer.
What did Jesus mean by the phrase, "Ye see and know of your
own selves"? Luke 21:30. As we welcome signs of summer in
the natural world, so we are to analyze Christ's clues in the
world around us as given in Matthew 24, Mark 14, and Luke
21, as signs of the summertime of the earth when Christ will
appear.
On what do these "signs" focus? Matt. 24:33, margin. "We
are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events.
Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The Lord is at the door. There is soon
to open before us a period of overwhelming interest to all
living. The controversies of the past are to be revived; new
controversies will arise. The scenes to be enacted in our world
are not yet even dreamed of. Satan is at work through human
agencies. . . . A crisis is just upon us.
"But God's servants are not to trust to themselves in this
great emergency. . . . The program of coming events is in the
hands of the Lord. The Majesty of heaven has the destiny of
nations, as well as the concerns of His church, in His own
charge."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 753. The budding fig tree and
all trees have a message, which is to help us prepare for the
summer harvest of this world.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I using the preparation techniques of the Master
Gardener so as to bring forth much fruit? Am I satisfied
merely with budding and leafing? Do I discern the signs
of coming judgment? Do I believe He—Christ—is near?
"Christ has given signs of His com-
ing. He declares that we may know
when He is near, even at the doors. He
says of those who see these signs, 'This
generation shall not pass, till all these
things be fulfilled.' These signs have
appeared. Now we know of a surety
that the Lord's coming is at hand.
'Heaven and earth shall pass away,'
He says, 'but My words shall not pass
away.'"—"The Desire of Ages," page
632.
91
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to warn his five brothers still living. 4. That they serve expecting nothing more than their just pay.
5. For himself. 6. The fig tree putting forth its leaves.
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LESSON 12
FINAL DECISION
12
"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come
not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them."
Eccl. 12:1.
A small airplane with limited fuel supply
flying across the ocean reaches a critical
position known as the point of no return.
At that juncture the pilot no longer has
sufficient fuel to return to the shore he left
behind; his only hope is to proceed to the
distant shore ahead. The parables we shall
study this week take to its logical conclu-
sion the line of thought we considered
last week—that the course of life each man
chooses to follow determines his ultimate
destination. Each individual comes to a
point of no return in his personal expe-
rience; this is the close of his probation.
Up to this point each one has navigated his
course by his daily decisions. His direction
is determined, not by isolated acts either
good or bad, but by the general tendency
of his life.
Each man is invited to steer his craft to
the heavenly shore. The Master furnishes
all the necessary equipment for a safe
crossing. But the actual setting of the
course depends on individual choice.
The parables in this week's study have
to do with feasts—not airplanes. But the
elements of choice and proper preparation
loom large. Excuses for poor choice avail
nothing. Improper preparation brings dis-
aster. Consider carefully the factors which
bring all of us to our individual points of
no return.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Banquet Without Guests
Luke 14:16-20
2.
Substitute Invitations
Luke 14:21-24
3.
The Status Symbol
Luke 14:7-10
4.
The Best Man
Mark 2:18, 19
5.
Too Late to Change
Matthew 22:2-7
6.
What! No Proper Clothes?
Matthew 22:11-14
93
Final Decision
LESSON 12
El Sunday
Part 1
"Then said He unto him, A certain man made a great
BANQUET WITHOUT supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper-
GUESTS time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things
are now ready. And they all with one consent began to
make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a
piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray
thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought
five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee
have me excused. And another said, 1 have married a
Luke 14:16-20 wife, and therefore I cannot come."
Christ told this parable while He was a guest at a feast in
the home of a Pharisee. What is the significance of the phrases,
"They watched Him," and He "marked" them? Luke 14:1, 7.
He desired to show the Jews that God's mercy was extended to
the Gentiles as well as to them, and also to point out that by
their attitude they were slighting the gospel invitation. What
lesson in true hospitality had been given to Israel of old?
Deut. 14:29.
How many are included in the invitation? What period of
world history is suggested by the term "at suppertime"? Who
are the "servants" who should repeat the invitation?
"None of the excuses were founded on a real necessity. The
man who 'must needs go and see' his piece of ground, had
already purchased it. His haste to go and see it was due to
the fact that his interest was absorbed in his purchase. The
oxen, too, had been bought. The proving of them was only
to satisfy the interest of the buyer. The third excuse had no
more semblance of reason. The fact that the intended guest
had married a wife need not have prevented his presence at
the feast. His wife also would have been made welcome."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 222.
The excuses made by the guests in the parable are still being
made today. They represent, first, those who are absorbed by
their possessions; then, those who put their business first; and,
last, those who allow their relatives to stand in the way of their
fully accepting the gospel.
THINK IT THROUGH Am 1 adept at making excuses to avoid the gospel call
and the invitation to take part in the Lord's service?
Which of these three is my excuse? Is there any reason
whatever why an excuse for declining Heaven's invita-
tion is ever justifiable?
"By the great supper, Christ rep-
resents the blessings offered through
the gospel. The provision is nothing less
than Christ Himself. He is the bread
that comes down from heaven; and
from Him the streams
of
salvation
94
flow."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page
222.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 219-225 (1923 ed.,
pages 223-229).
Final Decision
LESSON 12
Monday
Part 2
"So that servant came, and showed his lord these
SUBSTITUTE things. Then the master of the house being angry said
INVITATIONS to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes
of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed,
and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord,
it is done as thou host commanded, and yet there is
room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into
the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,
that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That
none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my
Luke 14:21-24 supper."
How did the giver of the feast react when the servant
brought back his report? Whom did he then tell his servant
to invite? Who did the first invited guests represent? In what
ways did they react to the gospel invitation? What did Jesus
mean by the "streets and lanes of the city"? What is further
suggested by the terms "highways and hedges"? What did
Christ indicate by "my house"? By the "poor, and the maimed,
and the halt, and the blind" are represented those whom the
Jewish leaders despised, the common people of the land. Why
do men still take this attitude?
Since there were still places, after these had been brought
in, what did the giver of the feast tell his servant to do? Those
in the highways and hedges represent the ones outside the
Jewish nation. Christ stresses here that the "good news" was
to go to the Gentile world. To what extent is the gospel invita-
tion now to be given? Rev. 14:6.
"None of those men" points to so-called noble and wise
men, not to mankind in general. To what supper will these
"mighty men" be invited? Rev. 19:17, 18.
THINK IT THROUGH What do I learn of God's character through His repeated
invitations? What do I understand is the "anger" of
God? Should it ever be compared with the anger of man?
"The gospel invitation is to be given
to all the world—'to every nation, and
kindred, and tongue, and people.' Rev.
14:6. The last message of warning
and
mercy is to lighten the whole earth
with its glory. It is to reach all classes
of men, rich and poor, high and low.
'Go out into the highways and hedges,'
Christ says, 'and compel them to come
in, that My house may be filled.' "—
"Christ's Object Lessons," page 228.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 225-237 (1923 ed.,
pages 229-241).
95'
Final Decision
LESSON 12
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
"And He put forth a parable to those which were
THE STATUS bidden, when He marked how they chose out the chief
SYMBOL rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any
man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room;
lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him;
and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee,
Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take
the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit
down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee
cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher:
then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them
Luke 14:7-10 that sit at meat with thee."
This story reminds us of the way in which the disciples con-
tended about who should have the best places at the Last
Supper. Luke 22:24-27; compare Mark 9:33-37. Jesus must
have often noted how this question of pride and protocol oc-
cupied the minds of the people. The most important seats at a
feast were typical of various status symbols men cherish. But
Christ sought to show that we obtain honor not by seeking
high places, but by being willing to take the lowliest place and
to do the humblest tasks.
What did Jesus teach about true greatness? Matt. 23:11, 12.
What illustration did He select to emphasize His lesson? Matt.
18:1-4.
"The principle here enunciated strikes at the very root of
pride, the desire to exalt oneself in the opinion of others; and
pride, in turn, along with selfishness, is the root of all sin. Jesus
Himself set the supreme example of humility (see Isa. 52:13,
14; Phil.
2:6-10)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Luke 14:11.
THINK IT THROUGH What conclusion did Jesus draw? Luke 14:11. How do
I feel when someone I know gets a better job or a raise
in pay? Am I always comparing another's good fortune
with my own conditions in life?
"The followers of Jesus will not
be
popular, but will be like their Master,
meek and Gs;ly of heart. You are seek-
ing to climb to the highest seat, but
will find yourselves at last in the low-
est. If you seek to deal justly, to love
mercy, to walk humbly with God, you
will be partakers with Christ of His
96
sufferings and sharers with Him of His
glory in His kingdom. The Lord has
blessed you, but how little have you
appreciated His loving-kindness)"—
"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 502.
For deeper study: "The Ministry of
Healing," page 477.
Final Decision
LESSON 12
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used
THE BEST MAN to fast: and they come and say unto Him, Why do the
disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Thy
disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the
children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom
is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with
Mark 2:18, 19 them, they cannot fast."
Christ's willingness to eat even at the homes of publicans
and sinners caused no small stir among those who considered
themselves more righteous. The Pharisees, as part of their
requirements, fasted regularly, some of them even on two days
a week. But Jesus and His disciples appeared to disregard this
custom entirely. When John's disciples asked the reason why,
how did Christ reply? Compare Matt. 9:14, 15. What is the
true fast commanded by the Scriptures? Isa. 58:6, 7.
"Here is set forth the very spirit and character of the work
of Christ. His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the
saving of the world. Whether fasting in the wilderness of temp-
tation or eating with the publicans at Matthew's feast, He was
giving His life for the redemption of the lost. Not in idle
mourning, in mere bodily humiliaton and multitudinous sacri-
fices, is the true spirit of devotion manifested, but it is shown
in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 278.
Who is the "Bridegroom"? What is the difference between
the "bride" and "the children of the bridechamber"?
THINK IT THROUGH What modern day applications do I find in God's recom-
mendation to "fast"? Does this mean going without food
for the body or going without "food" for the ego and
the carnal nature?
"When they should see their Lord
betrayed and crucified, the disciples
would mourn and fast. In His last words
to them in the upper chamber, He said,
'A little while, and ye shall not see Me:
and again, a little while, and ye shall
see Me. Verily, verily, I say unto you,
That ye shall weep and lament, but the
world shall rejoice: and ye shall be
sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be
turned into joy.' John
16:19, 20."—
"The Desire of Ages," page 277.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," pages 276-278.
97
Final Decision,
LESSON 12
❑
Thursday
Part 5
"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king,
TOO LATE which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his
TO CHANGE servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding:
and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other
servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I
have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are
killed, and all things are ready: come unto the mar-
riage. But they made light of it, and went their ways;
one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the
remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully,
and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was
wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those
Matt. 22:2-7 murderers, and burned up their city."
Who are represented by the "king" and the "son"? When
will this "marriage" take place? Who is the Bridegroom? and
the bride? What actually is the marriage? Has this any mean-
ing for us today? What second invitation was sent out? Matt.
22:8-10.
"In this parable, as that of the great supper, are illustrated
the gospel invitation, its rejection by the Jewish people, and the
call of mercy to the Gentiles."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page
307.
Athough similar to the parable of the great supper, this story
teaches different truths. Like the former, it illustrated the re-
jection of the gospel invitation by the Jews and the giving of
the invitation to the Gentiles. "This was the message borne
to the Jewish nation after the crucifixion of Christ; but the
nation that claimed to be God's peculiar people rejected the
gospel brought to them in the power of the Holy Spirit."
—Ibid.,
p. 308.
How did those invited to the wedding treat God's servants
sent out to tell them that everything was ready?
THINK IT THROUGH Can I show any more intense rebellion than by making
excuses? How do I treat the messengers of truth, both
dead and living? Do I welcome them and their message?
"The spiritual banquet has been set
before us in rich abundance. We have
had presented to us by the messengers
of God the richest feast—the righteous-
ness of Christ, justification by faith, the
exceeding great and precious promises
of God in His Word, free access to the
Father by Jesus Christ, the comforts of
the Holy Spirit, and the well-grounded
98
assurance of eternal life in the kingdom
of God. We ask, What could God do for
us that He has not done in preparing
the great supper, the heavenly ban-
quet?"—E. G. White Comments, "SDA
Bible Commentary," Vol. 5, p. 1097.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 307, 308 (1923 ed.,
pages 313,
314).
Final Decision
LESSON 12
0
Friday
Part 6
"And when the king came in to see the guests, he
WHAT! NO saw there a man which had not on a wedding, garment:
PROPER CLOTHES? and he saith unto him, Friend, how tamest thou in hither
not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and
foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer dark-
ness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For
Matt. 22:11-14 many are called, but few are chosen."
What group is represented by the guests? "The guests at
the gospel feast are those who profess to serve God, those
whose names are written in the book of
life."
—
Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 310.
What do we understand by the examination of the guests
conducted by the king? When does, this take place? "By the
king's examination of the guests at the feast is represented a
work of judgment."—/bid.
What is meant by the "robe"? Rev. 19:8. "By the wedding
garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless char-
acter which Christ's true followers will possess."—Ibid.
Where only can this garment of righteousness be obtained?
Rev. 3:18. In Eastern weddings the garment was provided by
the king. Whom did the king notice among the guests? "But
one man was clothed in his common citizen dress. He had re-
fused to make the preparation required by the king. The gar-
ment provided for him at great cost he disdained to wear."
—
Ibid.,
p. 309.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I postponing obtaining the garment of righteousness
provided by my heavenly King, or do I think my own
robes of self-righteousness are good enough? Is there
any chance to change clothes once the King comes?
"The guests at the marriage feast
were inspected by the king. Only those
were accepted who had obeyed his re-
quirements and put on the wedding
garment. So it is with the guests at the
gospel feast. All must pass the scrutiny
of the great King, and only those are
received who have put on the robe of
Christ's righteousness."—"Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons," page 312.
"The man who came to the feast
without a wedding garment represents
the condition of many in our world
today. They profess to be Christians,
and lay claim to the blessings and priv-
lieges of the gospel; yet they feel no
need of a transformation of character."
—"Ibid.," 1
-
37
-
3
-
T5
-
..
—
"There will be no future probation in
which to prepare for eternity. It is in
this life that we are to put on the robe
of Christ's righteousness. This is our
only opportunity to form characters for
the home which Christ has made ready
for those who obey His command-
ments,"—"Ibid.," p. 319.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 308-319 (1923 ed.,
pages 315-325).
99
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1.
c. 2. Three times. 3. How people chose the best places. 4. "Why do the disciples of John fast,
but Thy disciples fast not?" 5. Spitefully killing them. 6. He was speechless.
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THE PAYOFF
13
LESSON 13
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His com-
mandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work
into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
Eccl. 12:13, 14.
During the last week of this quarter we lows and worship to Him will be justified
shall think of the final "payoff" of Chris-
and rewarded with eternal life. Let us study
tian living. We are well aware that every
these matchless stories as mirrors of our
business is started in the hope of ultimate
lives.
reward. Time, effort, energy, and capital
are all expended to achieve this one goal.
When there are no favorable results, the
LESSON OUTLINE
venture fails. In the kingdom of God there
are also investments. God has given His
I. Subject to Inspection
Son and with Him every needed resource
Matt. 13:47-50
of heaven—grace, power, the Holy Spirit,
and the ministry of angels. The disciple
2. The Investors
has also invested his all—time, energy,
Matt. 25:14-23
motives, and ambitions. Satan has set and
sprung many a booby trap. Life's decisions
3. The Audit
have become permanent, and the Christian
Matt. 25:24-30
reaches the point of no return. Then God
will arraign all before the judgment bar
4. The Arrest
of Christ to be judged according to the
Matt. 25:31-46
deeds done in this life. Those who have
rejected the proffered aid of Heaven and
5. The Sentence
have chosen their own way will be con-
Luke 13:6-9.
demned to perish. Those who have sub-
mitted to their Lord and allowed Him to
6. The Settlement
regulate their lives in service to their fel-
Luke 19:11-27
101
The
Payoff
LESSON 13
❑
Sunday
Part 1
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that
SUBJECT TO was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which,
INSPECTION when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and
gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall
come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
and shall cast them into the furnace of fire:
there
shall
Matt. 13:47-50 be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
The setting of this parable was the lake of Galilee. Christ's
story conjured up a scene which was familiar to those brought
up by the waterside. The net was literally a "dragnet," one
pulled through the water by the fisherman. What is represented
by the "net" that is cast into the sea? What is suggested by the
sea? Rev. 17:15. "The casting of the net is the preaching of
the
gospel."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 122. See Ezek. 47:
9, 10.
The great dragnet gathers in all kinds of creatures from the
sea, good and bad. Compare Matt. 22:10. At the close of his
day's work, the fisherman returns to the harbor to sort out
his catch. He then discards what is not of value. What aspect
of the kingdom of heaven does this sifting work depict? By
what means is the separation brought about? When is this
accomplished in the case of individuals and then in the case of
all mankind? Does God delight in this work of rejecting some
men? Ezek. 33:11. Has man a part to play? Matt. 4:19; Luke
5:10; Jer. 16:16.
"Throughout the period of probationary time His Spirit is
entreating men to accept the gift of life. It is only those who
reject His pleading that will be left to perish. God has de-
clared that sin must be destroyed as an evil ruinous to the uni-
verse. Those who cling to sin will perish in its destruction."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 123.
To the "end" of what "age" or "world" did Jesus point?
Do you think Christ's emphasis was on "gathering" or "sep-
arating"? The work is of cleansing the kingdom from those
who defile it. This means that not all will be saved.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I making good use of the probationary time God has
granted me that I may be chosen when the angels come
to do the work of separating the good from the evil? How
may I close my own probation before the general close
of probation?
"Both the parable of the tares and
that of the net plainly teach that there
is no time when all the wicked will
turn to God. The wheat and the tares
grow together until the harvest. The
good and the bad fish are together
102
drawn ashore for a final separation."
—"Christ's Object Lessons," page 123.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 122, 123 (1923 ed.,
pages 123, 124).
The
Payoff
LESSON 13
0
Monday
Part 2
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into
THE INVESTORS a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered
unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents,
to another two, and to another one; to every man ac-
cording to his several ability; and straightway took his
journey. Then he that had received the five talents went
and traded with the same, and made them other five
talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also
gained other two. But he that had received one went
Matt. 25:14-18 and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money."
Read also verses 19-23.
The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes personal prepara-
tion in waiting for Christ's return. The parable of the talents
lays stress on what His disciples should be doing as they work
in preparation for His advent. It also teaches the basis upon
which Christ separates His faithful and unfaithful servants. The
"man" is Christ returning to His Father. The entrusted talents
are the gifts to the church (Eph. 4:8-12) as well as natural
abilities.
Is Jesus your Lord today? John 20:28; Rom. 6:16-18. What
are some of His gifts? 1 Cor. 12:8-11. Are they only on loan?
"The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents rep-
resented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endowments,
whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 328.
The talents have to do with the riches of Christ lent to the
servants and not the fitness of His servants themselves. The
measure by which Heaven entrusts divine resources is depen-
dent on each servant's ability. Rom. 12:6. Mental faculties,
speech, influence, time, health, strength, money, and kindly im-
pulses and affections are some that are also mentioned by Mrs.
White. See
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 333-353. Can you find
others?
What is the significance to Seventh-day Adventists in the
thought of His "return after a long time"? On what basis did
the Lord commend His servants after His inspection? Was there
any difference in the commendation of the two servants? What
is the "joy of thy Lord"? Compare Heb. 12:2.
THINK IT THROUGH Have I invested the gifts entrusted to me in the Master's
service? For how long must 1 continue this work?
"Talents used are talents multiplied.
Success is not the result of chance or
of destiny; it is the outworking of God's
own providence, the reward of faith
and discretion, of virtue and persever-
ing effort. The Lord desires us to use
every gift we have; and if we do this,
we shall have greater gifts to use. He
does not supernaturally endow us with
the qualifications we lack; but while
we use that which we have, He will
work with us to increase and strengthen
every faculty."—"Christ's Object Les-
sons," page 353.
103
The Payoff
LESSON 13
❑
Tuesday
Part 3
"Then he which had received the one talent came and
THE AUDIT said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reap-
ing where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou
hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid
thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and
slothful servant . . . : thou oughtest therefore to have
put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming
I should have received mine own with usury. Take
therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which
hath ten talents. For unto everyone that hath shall be
given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that
hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness:
Matt. 25:24-30 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
What excuses did the man with only one talent offer? What
is pictured by Christ's phrase, "buried it in the earth"? Was
this man any worse than the unjust steward? Luke 16:1. Is
hoarding misusing? What are the "exchangers"? He was
"wicked" in relationship to God and "slothful" in his service
to his fellows.
"In this is given a warning to all who feel that the smallness
of their endowments excuses them from service for Christ. If
they could do some great thing, how gladly would they under-
take it; but because they can serve only in little things, they
think themselves justified in doing nothing. In this they err.
The Lord in His distribution of gifts is testing character. The
man who neglected to improve his talent proved himself an
unfaithful servant."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 355.
How does Christ stress the importance of little things? Luke
16:10. On what basis was the negligent servant reproved? What
were the results in His life for "time" and also for "eternity"?
What did the lord order to be done with the talent that had
been neglected? Was this fair?
"As in the natural, so in the spiritual world: every power
unused will weaken and decay. Activity is the law of life. . . .
He who refuses to impart that which he has received will at
last find that he has nothing to
give."—Ibid.,
p. 364.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I ever tempted to feel that I have been endowed with
very few gifts? In what ways may I multiply the talents
I already have?
"However small your talent, God has
a place for it. That one talent, wisely
used, will accomplish its appointed
work. By faithfulness in little duties,
we are to work on the plan of addition,
and God will work for us on the plan
of multiplication. These littles will be-
104
come the most precious influences in His
work."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page
360.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 355-360, 362-365
(1923 ed., pages 358-363, 365-369).
The Payoff
LESSON 13
❑
Wednesday
Part 4
"When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and
THE ARREST all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the
throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered
all nations: and He shall separate them one from an-
other, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the
Matt. 25:31-33 goats on the left."
Read also verses 34-46.
Like the parables that have preceded this one in the twenty-
fifth chapter of Matthew, the parable of the sheep and the
goats has to do with the settling of human accountability at
the second coming of Christ. Why is Jesus to be the Judge?
John 5:26, 27. What is the "glory" of the Son's throne? Does
this picture of the judgment scene embrace more than merely
the Jewish nation and any particular age of history? What
should be the significance to us of the fact that there are only
two classes into which the nations of the earth are finally
divided ?
Since every national barrier is broken down at the foot of
this throne, upon what basis are all nations finally judged and
separated? What place is there in this decision for doctrines and
beliefs? What of all the "gray" areas of conduct when even-
tually there will be only black and white, right and wrong?
Why does "right side," designated for the sheep, suggest
favor? Christ is spoken of in heaven as standing on the right
hand of God (Acts 7:55), and the elect are to be on the right
hand of Christ. What blessing is pronounced on those on Christ's
right side?
For how long has the kingdom been prepared for them?
What does this mean to you? Matt. 25:34.
THINK IT THROUGH Are my thoughts, my words, my actions such that they
are preparing me so that Christ can accept me for a place
at the right hand of the Father? What does Christ's word
"inasmuch" mean to me in my daily contacts and per-
sonal relationships?
"We cannot afford to live with no
reference to the day of judgment; for
though long delayed, it is now near,
even at the door, and hasteth greatly.
The trumpet of the Archangel will soon
startle the living and wake the dead.
At that day the wicked will be sep-
arated from the just, as the shepherd
divides the goats from the sheep."—
"Child Guidance," pages 560, 561.
For deeper study: "The Desire of
Ages," pages 637-641.
105
The
Payoff
LESSON 13
❑
Thursday
Part 5
"A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard;
THE SENTENCE and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Then said he unto the' dresser of his vineyard, Behold,
these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig
tree,
and
find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this
year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it
bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt
Luke 13:6-9 cut it down."
Read also Matt.
21:18-22.
What is represented by Christ's vineyard? Isa. 5:7. "The
generation to whom the Saviour had come were represented by
the fig tree in the Lord's vineyard—within the circle of His
special care and blessing."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 214.
In what ways had Israel cumbered the ground? How may
we? Who is the Gardener, and in what spirit does He plead
for the tree? Does He need to plead for me in this way? "The
owner and the dresser of the vineyard are one in their interest
in the fig tree. So the Father and the Son were one in their
love for the chosen people."—Ibid., p. 216.
What had John warned the Jewish leaders was to be laid
at the root of the fruitless tree? Matt. 3:10.
The cursing of the actual fig tree by Jesus is the sequel to
His parable of the fig tree. See
The Desire of Ages,
page 584.
The barren fig tree disappointed Jesus. Everything had been
done for it that the gardener could. It had developed only a
good showing of leaves. These normally should indicate that
the tree was laden with fruit. But on careful examination none
was found. So the people of Israel disappointed our Lord: Ev-
erything possible had been done for them, but they bore no fruit
in righteousness. "Christ's act in cursing the fig tree had aston-
ished the disciples. It seemed to them unlike His ways and
works."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 582.
THINK IT THROUGH Is Christ needing to bear too long with me, or am I caus-
ing Him joy because of the fruits of the Spirit I am bear-
ing?
"You realize, though it may be
dimly, that you are a cumberer of the
ground. Yet in His great mercy God
has not cut you down. He does not
look coldly upon you. He does not turn
away with indifference, or leave you to
destruction. Looking upon you He cries,
as He cried so many centuries ago con-
cerning Israel, 'How shall I give thee
up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee,
Israel? . . . I will not execute the
106
fierceness of Mine anger. I will not re-
turn to destroy Ephraim; for I am God,
and not man.' Hos.
11:8,
9. The pitying
Saviour is saying concerning you, Spare
it this year also, till I shall dig about
it and dress it."—"Christ's Object Les-
sons," pages 217, 218.
For deeper study: "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 212-218 (1923 ed.,
pages 215-221).
The
Payoff
LESSON 13
❑
Friday
Part 6
"He . . . spake a parable, because He was nigh to
THE SETTLEMENT Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom
of God should immediately appear. He said therefore,
A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive
for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his
ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said
unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him,
and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have
this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when
he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he
commanded these servants to be called unto him, to
whom he had given the money, that he might know how
Luke 19:11-15 much every man had gained by trading."
Read also verses 16-27.
Note carefully the circumstances which led to the need for
this story. The people expected "the kingdom" right now; but
Jesus told them He, the "nobleman," was to go away in order
to obtain the kingdom. Compare Mark 13:34; Phil.
2:9-11.
This parable is in some ways similar to that of the talents.
In one the servants received according to their abilities, in the
other each received equal opportunities. The Lord was leaving
responsibilities upon His servants.
The one-talent servant represents those who use their talents
for worldly interests. "Like the unfaithful servant they are
afraid that the increase of the talent that God has lent them
will be called for to advance the spread of truth; therefore they
tie it up by investing it in earthly treasures and burying it in
the world, thus making it so fast that they have nothing, or
next to nothing, to invest in the cause of God. They have buried
it, fearing that God would call for some of the principal or
increase."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 386.
THINK IT THROUGH Am I occupying till Christ comes, using the life and op-
portunity He has given me as something He has put in
trust to me?
"The Master will require each of His
stewards to give an account of his
stewardship, to show what he has
gained with the talents entrusted to
him. Those to whom rewards are given
will impute no merit to themselves for
their diligent trading; they will give
all the glory to God. They speak of that
which was delivered to them, as 'Thy
pound,' not their own. When they speak
of their gain, they are careful to state
whence it came. The capital was ad-
vanced by the Master. They
have
traded upon it successfully, and return
the principal and interest to the Giver."
—"Testimonies," Vol. 2, pp. 284, 285.
For deeper study: "Testimonies," Vol.
3, pp. 385-390.
107
SOL
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ChMSt,
THE
INCOMPARABLE
BY J. L. SHULER
is a challenging ex
pansion of topics it
next quarter's Sab
bath School lessons
$1
95
ORDER FROM YOUR BOOK AND BIBLE HOUSE.
SOUTHERN PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
Thousands are becoming
involved.
It's spreading across America.
Your church may be next.
"TESTIMONY COUNTDOWN" is a
new program.
In these study groups many are
finding new and relevant meaning
in Ellen G. White's
"Testimonies for the Church."
Materials are now available for your
personal or group study.
TESTIMONY COUNTDOWN
Study Guide
$ .95
TESTIMONY COUNTDOWN
Quiz Booklet
.35
TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH
(9 volumes)
cloth 26.50
deluxe 31.50
These special prices expire December 31, 1970.
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering
JUNE 27, 1970 • CENTRAL EUROPEAN DIVISION
East and West—The Divided City . . . The Brandenburg Gate
. . . Air raids of World War II . . . The American Airlift . . . the
city with the most suicides. When someone mentions Berlin, scenes
and reports of these incidents and landmarks flash into our minds.
Our members in Berlin are conscientious workers for Christ.
Taped telephone sermons, personal family visitations, brass band
evangelism, and Branch Sabbath Schools are just a few of the activ-
ities they have initiated in the city to entice souls for Christ.
An - evangelistic center located in Berlin is one project of the
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow. The new, modern building
will attract the masses of Berlin who otherwise might not hear of
Christ.
Half of the citizens of Berlin are over sixty-five years of age. The
Seventh-day Adventist Church feels a responsibility toward these
elderly people. With the help of the overflow, a six-story retirement
home will be completed in a Berlin suburb.
The Waldfriede Hospital needs funds for expansion and mod-
ernization. Without these additions, the hospital will lose its im-
portance and attraction among the people of Germany. The believers
in Central Europe are looking to their fellow believers in the Sab-
bath Schools around the world to help meet these needs on June 27.
Lessons for the Third Quarter of 1970
Sabbath School members who have not received an adult
Lesson Quarterly
for the third quarter of 1970 will be helped
by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title
of the series is "Christ, the Incomparable." The title of the
first lesson is "Christ, the Answer to Man's Quest." The
memory verse is 1 John 5:11.
The outline is as follows:
1.
Life's Great Quest. Acts 16:25-31.
2.
The Gift of Infinite Love. John 3:16-18.
3.
God's Provision for Man's
Need.
John 6:51, 54, 55.
4.
Jesus Christ Is God Incarnate. Matthew 16:13-17.
5.
The Great Invitation. Matthew 11:28-30.
6.
The Two Doors to Destiny. 1 John 5:6-12.
Litho in U.S.A.
NETHERLANDS
®
Dusseldorf
Cologne
Bonn
Leipzig
BELGIUM
UNION
OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
IN THE DDR
SOUTH GERMAN UNION
CENTRAL EUROPEAN
DIVISION
BALTIC SEA
NORTH SEA
Hamburg
•
okHrta
mow.
bran
Bremen •
POLAND
•
Hanover
Frankfort
Darmstadt
•
Stuttgart •
AUSTRIA
DENMARK
WEST GERMAN UNION
GERMANY
FRANCE
NUREMBERG •
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Union
PomMloo
Clutches
Chrcti
South German
29,087,468
240
12,961
15,601
Union of S. D.A. In DOG
18,403,800
341
12,670
14,107
West German
28,021,371
197
11,784
13,639
West Berlin Conference
2,197,300
15
1,571
1,727
Division Totals
77,709,939
793
38,986
46,014
